Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods reportedly rejected TKO restructuring plans
Summary
– WWE reportedly wanted The New Day to transition into smaller in-ring roles
– Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were asked to restructure their contracts under TKO
– AEW interest in The New Day has reportedly grown following their WWE departure
New details have emerged regarding why Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods decided to leave WWE instead of agreeing to new TKO-era contract terms.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE internally viewed Kingston and Woods as talents without major long-term creative plans. The report stated that both men were effectively given two choices by the company: accept reduced deals with smaller roles or move on from WWE entirely.
The proposed direction reportedly involved Kingston and Woods gradually winding down their full-time in-ring careers while shifting part of their focus into promotional work for WWE. Instead of accepting those terms, both members of The New Day reportedly chose to leave the company.
The situation became even more surprising because Kingston and Woods had only signed new five-year deals in 2025. Reports state WWE approached them roughly one year into those contracts about restructuring the financial terms under the TKO system.
Bryan Alvarez previously reported that The New Day’s contracts were not naturally expiring and that WWE specifically approached them about revised agreements. After rejecting the proposed terms, the duo was reportedly granted their release.
The departures have already fueled major speculation about a possible AEW move. According to previous PWInsider reports, there is significant internal excitement within AEW about the possibility of bringing The New Day into the company.
One matchup that has reportedly generated the most discussion is a long-awaited showdown between The New Day and The Young Bucks. Fans have teased the possibility for years, but the companies’ separation prevented the match from becoming a reality.
The situation surrounding Kingston and Woods is also being viewed by many as another example of how TKO is reshaping WWE’s approach to roster management, contracts, and long-term talent value.
Rather than quietly transitioning into reduced roles, Kingston and Woods reportedly chose to bet on themselves and continue exploring opportunities outside WWE.
