Summary

A new backstage update on Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods said many within WWE were caught off guard by the departures, especially given how strongly both names had been tied to the company for years.

The report followed earlier confirmation that WWE had parted ways with Kingston, Woods, JC Mateo and Tonga Loa. It also stated that Kingston and Woods had signed new multi-year WWE deals last year, with both contracts reportedly worth seven figures.

Beyond the reaction inside WWE, the update added that there is already outside interest in both men. AEW names are said to be pushing for the company to bring them in, and other promotions are also expected to pursue them once they are available.

Quote from the report

"WWE sources were shocked by the departure of the New Day, with many sources assuming they'd be WWE lifers, especially Kofi Kingston. In very unsurprising news, major AEW names are already pushing for them to get signed by the company."

What AEW interest could mean for Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods immediately drawing AEW interest raises the stakes around where the former New Day duo lands next, because this is no longer just a WWE exit story.

If multiple promotions push for both men at the same time, their next move could quickly become one of the more important free agency stories in wrestling. The fact that people in WWE reportedly expected Kingston to be a lifer also underlines how significant this split is for the company.

Sources

As reported by Fightful Select via NoDQ.