Big E Says Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods Aren’t Done Wrestling After WWE Releases

Big E isn’t ready to call it the end of the New Day era just yet. The former WWE Champion has spoken out about the departures of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods from WWE, making clear he believes both men still have plenty left to offer the wrestling world.

Speaking on The A2TheK Wrestling Show, Big E addressed the situation candidly, noting that neither Kingston nor Woods had planned for their WWE runs to end this way. “It is a big period of change for those two for sure, I think they both assume their entire wrestling careers would be in WWE,” he said. “But there’s new ownership, things change, that’s the nature of the business.”

Kingston and Woods were among the names cut by WWE back in April, part of a wider round of roster reductions that saw over 20 talents released. Unlike the initial wave of cuts, their exits came days later after it was reported that WWE and TKO offered both men pay reductions one year into their five-year contracts — offers they declined.

Big E, who remains with WWE in a broadcaster role at premium live events, made it plain he doesn’t see his longtime partners hanging up their boots. “I don’t think those guys are retired. I don’t think they’re gonna put their boots away and be done, so I’m excited to see whatever is next.”

He also acknowledged that, amid the uncertainty, both men are currently making the most of their time away. With Kingston and Woods each having three children, Big E noted the lighter schedule has given them a chance to reconnect with their families — something the grueling pace of WWE’s road schedule rarely allowed. “Those guys missed a lot of time with their families,” he said.

Reflecting on what the trio built together, Big E was effusive. “Those guys will be family forever… I can’t imagine a better partnership, I can’t imagine a more fun run.” He added that swapping out any one member would have fundamentally changed the dynamic, crediting the group’s unique chemistry as the key to their lasting legacy.

New Day holds 12 tag team championships in WWE history, including what was at the time the longest reign on record — a legacy that will endure regardless of where Kingston and Woods land next.