Big E has commented on Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods‘ WWE exit.
Kingston and Woods officially departed WWE on May 2, 2026. Reports at the time indicated that both men were offered pay cuts during contract negotiations and ultimately chose not to accept the terms. Their exits came more than a year after a shocking chapter in The New Day’s history.
On the December 2, 2024, episode of WWE RAW, The New Day celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the faction. During the segment, Big E made his first in-ring appearance alongside Kingston and Woods since suffering his career-threatening neck injury. He announced that he would return as the duo’s manager until he was medically cleared to compete again.
However, the celebration took an unexpected turn when Kingston and Woods rejected Big E’s offer and kicked him out of the group. The segment saw both men turn heel for the first time since 2016 while reconciling their own differences in the process.
Big E comments on Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods’ WWE exit
Speaking on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, Big E was asked whether frustration stemming from that storyline contributed to Kingston and Woods leaving WWE.
Big E declined to speak on behalf of his former stablemates but acknowledged that performers want to feel valued both creatively and financially.
“I don’t want to speak for them,” Big E said. “I know when the time is right, I’m sure they’ll have a lot of things to say. There are things out there about pay cuts and whatnot. 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.”
Big E went on to explain that wrestlers must decide whether the opportunities and compensation being offered align with how they value themselves.
“I think we, as performers, all want to feel valued. You want to feel like people want you here, there’s a plan for you, and we’re going to compensate you accordingly,” he said. “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 on whether you’re going to say, ‘Yes, this is what I will accept,’ or ‘No, this is not what I’m going to accept.’ So they made a decision to step away, and I respect [that].”
Big E on his bond with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods
Despite Kingston and Woods no longer being with WWE, Big E emphasized that his bond with them remains unchanged.
“Those guys will always be my family, regardless of what company we’re in, regardless of how old we are,” he said. “What we built is bigger than companies, it’s bigger than our industry. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be in the financial position I’m in. I wouldn’t have the breadth and myriad of incredible experiences, even just getting comfortable in my own skin. I credit those guys for so much of that.”
The former WWE Champion also praised the chemistry the trio shared behind the scenes, noting that they never had any major arguments throughout their time together. He recalled countless moments of laughter on the road and said he would always support whatever path Kingston and Woods choose moving forward.
“I don’t think we ever had a blow-up, we never had an argument, we never had a time where we butted heads, really ever. If we had any minor disagreements, they were about creative process, and we were able to get on the same page immediately, the way we work together, our synergy, it’s special,” Big E said.
“So those guys are family, and will always be family. And I will always root for their prosperity. I will always, always root for their fulfillment. 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 that they want to do with their lives that fulfills them, as long as they ain’t hurting anyone, fully support it.”
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