The full picture of why Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods left WWE has emerged, and it is significantly more complicated than a mutual parting of ways.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Kingston and Woods were effectively given an ultimatum just one year into a five-year contract signed in 2025, set to run through 2030. WWE told the duo they were going to be cut but offered them the option of staying on a reduced rate, winding down their in-ring careers, and fulfilling the remainder of their deal in a combination of limited in-ring work and promotional duties. Both men declined.
The news of their departure drew an immediate reaction from AEW talent. Both The Young Bucks and FTR posted on social media, teasing interest in bringing Kingston and Woods to All Elite Wrestling.
Meltzer’s report aligns with earlier details from PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, who revealed that a majorly promoted WWE talent had accepted a 50 percent pay cut around the same time, and from Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, who confirmed that multiple talents had been approached about restructuring their deals. Bodyslam reported that TKO is pushing contract renegotiations across the roster in part due to debt carried over from Endeavor’s past.
Kingston is 44, and Woods is 39. Together, they formed one of the most decorated and beloved tag teams in WWE history across nearly two decades with the company.