Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are already lining up appearances outside WWE following their shocking departure from the company.
According to PWInsiderElite.com, the former The New Day members have officially signed on for the next two scheduled GalaxyCon pop culture conventions. PWInsider reported that Kingston and Woods are set to appear in Oklahoma City and Nashville, Tennessee during the weekends of May 24 and May 30.
"PWInsiderElite.com has confirmed that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have signed to appear at the next two scheduled Galaxycon pop culture conventions. The former WWE stars will be appearing in Oklahoma City and Nashville, TN the weekends of 5/24 and 5/30, we are told."
This update marks the first confirmed public appearances for the duo since news broke that they had parted ways with WWE after rejecting restructured TKO-era contracts. That situation quickly became one of the biggest wrestling stories of the year after reports revealed WWE had approached both men about accepting reduced deals despite the pair only signing fresh five-year contracts in 2025.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE internally viewed Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods as talents without major long-term creative plans moving forward.
“The New Day, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods, who were on the list of those without significant future plans…”
Meltzer then explained that WWE gave them the choice of accepting reduced money and transitioning into smaller roles or leaving the company entirely.
“Were essentially put in the position where they were going to be cut, but were offered less money to stay with WWE.”
The report also stated WWE’s long-term vision for Kingston and Woods involved gradually reducing their in-ring responsibilities while shifting them into more promotional work for the company.
“Wind down their in-ring careers and finish their current contract doing some in-ring and working in a promotional capacity. They both decided to leave the promotion.”
Bryan Alvarez later added more context by explaining that Kingston and Woods were specifically asked to move into new TKO-structured deals before deciding to walk away.
“They were asked to restructure to TKO deals, they didn’t like the deals, so they were then granted their release.”
Since their departures became public, speculation surrounding a potential AEW move has exploded — especially given the longtime teasing between The New Day and The Young Bucks. PWInsider previously reported there is already major excitement internally within AEW about the possibility of bringing Kingston and Woods into the company.
“There is a lot of excitement in AEW circles about the potential of The New Day coming into the company.”
Bottom line — Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods may be gone from WWE, but they’re already stepping back into the spotlight almost immediately, and the speculation surrounding what comes next for The New Day is only getting louder.
Do you think Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are ultimately headed to AEW, or could they surprise everyone with a completely different next move? Leave your thoughts and feedback below.
