AJ Styles On Shocking WWE Departures: “It Kind Of Bums Me Out A Little Bit”

The former WWE World Champion, AJ Styles broke his silence on recent shocking WWE departures. Styles is talking about the exit of Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston of the New Day.

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods recently departed the WWE after years in the company. According to reports, Kingston and Woods were asked to restructure their contracts and take a pay cut, but they refused and decided to leave. The Stamford-based promotion and the TKO group faced a lot of backlash from fans and the wrestling community following the New Day’s departure. Meanwhile, AJ Styles also expressed his views on the same.

AJ Styles has retired from in-ring competition following his last match against Gunther at Royal Rumble 2026. He was also inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. He often presents his views on the things going on in the wrestling world after retirement.

AJ Styles is bummed out about the New Day’s WWE departure

Speaking on his Phenomenally Retro podcast, AJ Styles addressed the rumors of the New Day not taking a pay cut and leaving, saying he couldn’t tell if it’s true:

I couldn’t tell you if that’s true or not (reports of them asking for their release after not taking a pay cut). They’re smart guys who did well and I’m sure saved their money. So if they weren’t happy with whatever, then it wouldn’t surprise me they’d go, ‘Okay, we’ll just go do our own thing.'”

Styles further admitted that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods’ WWE exit bum him out because everyone loves them:

They’re freaking brilliant guys. They’re awesome guys. I can’t say enough positive things. These are the guys you want to hang out with… Man, it kind of bums me out a little bit cause everybody loves them.”

AJ Styles concluded that the New Day could have a plan after their WWE exit and wondered if they had a 90-day non-compete clause on their contract if they asked for their release:

I’d have no doubt that they have a plan. That’s for sure. They’re very smart. They’ll figure something out—what the next step is. I wonder if they have the 90-day clause? I would assume. I don’t know. I don’t know if it’s a release. I’m sure they do. If they asked for their release, does it still — I don’t know.” [h/t Fightful]

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the New Day following WWE departure.

Also read: Why The New Day Decided To Decline WWE Contract Adjustment