Big E addresses Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston’s WWE departures
Big E doesn’t think we’ve seen the last of Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston in professional wrestling.
In WWE’s post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts, Woods & Kingston opted to be released from the company instead of taking a significant pay cut. They will be free to sign elsewhere when their 90-day clauses expire later this summer. It’s not known what their next move will be, but Woods & Kingston have supporters in the AEW locker room who would like to see them join the promotion.
Big E is now the only New Day member in WWE, working in a broadcasting role after having to retire from the ring in 2022. He spoke with The A2theK Wrestling Show about Woods & Kingston’s exit from WWE. While New Day have a close bond and still communicate together a lot, Big E hasn’t pushed Woods & Kingston for too much information on what they’re planning.
“It is a big period of change for those two, for sure,” Big E said. “I think they both assumed that their entire wrestling careers would be in WWE. I mean, Woods started in TNA and Kofi was on the indies for a little bit, but I think they both thought they’d retire in WWE. But, you know, there’s new ownership, things change. That’s the nature of the business. And it’s also — you know, it really is not, it’s not a forever job. It’s not a job that you’re going to do forever and ever. I think they thought they had a little bit more time in the company.
“I don’t think those guys are retired. I don’t think they’re going to put their boots away and be done. So I’m excited to see whatever is next. We communicate a lot. I try not to pry. I let them tell me what they want to tell me.”
After his in-ring career ended, Big E found out how much he enjoys being off the road and having time to do things he couldn’t before. He’s happy that Woods & Kingston get to have some time at home with their families during this break.
“It’s a time too where they each have three kids apiece, and getting that time to spend with their family — the schedule is a bit lighter than it used to be, but, man, when we first started, we were doing five shows a week, every single week. And when you’re on top, or even when you’re just a popular midcard act, we were doing so much press,” Big E said. “We were doing commercials, TV, film, even on those non-wrestling days, we would often be on the road. We were often shooting things.
“So those guys, they missed a lot of time with their families as well. And that’s something they signed up for, they’re not asking people to pat them on the back and say woe is you. But I think they’re also really enjoying the time at home right now during this 90-day period where they have this no-compete clause. But, man, those guys will be family forever. I think what we built — for me, I can’t imagine honestly a better partnership. I can’t imagine a more fun run.”
Big E’s gratitude for New Day —
Because his run with New Day was so fun and special, Big E had an easier time accepting that his in-ring career was over when he broke his neck in 2022. He’s grateful that he was able to have a charmed career because of Woods & Kingston. If given the choice, he would not replace Woods or Kingston with anyone.
Big E said he’s happy and healthy in his life and will be getting married to his fiancee Kristen this year. He’s written a memoir — titled “How I Got Over: Healing from Depression and Psychosis to Find Joy In and Out of the Ring” — that is scheduled to be published in February 2027.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.