Big E is weighing in on Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods leaving WWE, and he’s making one thing pretty clear — don’t call this retirement.
While speaking to The A2theK Wrestling Show, Big E said the exits were a major change for both men. He admitted Kofi and Woods probably thought they would finish their careers in WWE, but with new ownership in place, things changed fast.
“Yeah, you know, it’s a big period of change for those two for sure. You know, I think they both assumed that their entire wrestling careers would be in WWE. I mean, Woods started in TNA and Kofi, you know, 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 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.”
That is a pretty honest look at the situation. Big E did not trash WWE, but he also did not pretend this was something Kofi and Woods saw coming. In his view, they thought there was more time left in that chapter. The big takeaway, though, is that Big E does not believe his New Day brothers are hanging up their boots.
“I do think — 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’s next. You know, we communicate a lot. I try not to pry. I let them tell me what they want to tell me.”
That one line is going to keep plenty of fans talking, especially with speculation already growing about where Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods could go next. AEW has been brought up a lot, and the long-teased New Day vs. Young Bucks dream match is right there if the stars ever line up.
Big E also pointed out that there is a real family side to all of this. Kofi and Woods each have three kids, and after years of WWE’s brutal travel schedule, they are finally getting some time at home during their 90-day no-compete period.
“But I also, you know, it’s a time too where they each have three kids apiece, and getting that time to spend with their family. Like the schedule’s a little 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, man, we were doing so much press. We were doing commercials, TV, film, even on those non-wrestling days, we would often be on the road. We were often shooting things.”
Big E said the two missed plenty while chasing their wrestling dreams, but he made it clear they are not asking anyone to feel sorry for them. Right now, they are just getting to enjoy something they did not always have much of — time with their families.
“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, you know, 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.”
Then Big E got to the heart of it. No matter what happens next, Kofi and Woods are still family to him, and The New Day’s run will always mean something different.
“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. We might not have been top guys throughout that entire run, but getting to do the unique things we do… I always wanted to be able to one day leave a stamp on the industry that was just different and memorable. And I think we created that.”
This all comes after reports noted Kofi and Woods turned down restructured TKO-era WWE deals. It was said that WWE saw them as talents without major long-term creative plans and wanted them to take less money while moving toward reduced in-ring roles and more promotional work. Instead, Kofi and Woods walked away. And from the way Big E is talking, this may not be the end of their story at all.
The New Day may no longer be together in WWE, but Big E sounds proud of what they built and excited for whatever comes next. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods may be home for now, but according to Big E, fans probably have not seen the last of them in the ring.
Do you think Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods should go to AEW, return to WWE later, or do something completely different? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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