Big E Addresses Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods Leaving WWE: ‘It Is Their Company, Not Ours’

Big E has spoken candidly about the departures of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods from WWE, addressing the widely reported pay cut situation that led his longtime New Day partners to walk away from the company.

Appearing on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Big E reflected on the circumstances surrounding Kingston and Woods’ exits — which came in the wake of the post-WrestleMania 42 release wave in April — and offered measured, thoughtful commentary on the pay cut reports that have circulated since.

“There are things out there about pay cuts and whatnot,” Big E said. “I just know, look, this ownership is not the same ownership that existed when we first signed to the company. It is their company, it is not ours. So they make their decisions with how pay goes, and ultimately, we all have to abide by that, and you understand that it is not your ball.”

He continued with a pointed analogy: “It was not our ball when we first signed to the company. It is not our ball now. It is someone else’s ball to determine when you get in the game and how many carries you’ve got.”

Big E was careful not to speak on behalf of Kingston and Woods directly, but he acknowledged the fundamental tension that arises when a performer’s self-assessed value doesn’t align with what they’re being offered. “When you feel like that plan is not in accordance with your plan, or the money doesn’t line up with the way you see yourself valued, you have to make a decision,” he said. “So they made a decision to step away, and I respect that.”

Beyond the business side, Big E was effusive about what The New Day means to him personally. He credited Kingston and Woods for his financial stability, his breadth of experiences, and even his own growth as a person. “What we built is bigger than companies, it’s bigger than our industry,” he said, adding that the three of them never had a serious falling-out during their entire run together.

“I knew we had lightning in a bottle,” Big E reflected, “and not just on screen, but off-screen.”

As for what comes next for Kingston and Woods, Big E kept it simple: “I just want them to be happy. So, if they’re happy at home, if they’re happy wrestling in VFW halls, if they’re happy doing conventions, gaming, whatever it is — as long as they ain’t hurting anyone, I fully support it.”

With both men now free agents, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see where they land next.