Have Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods Retired After WWE Exit? Big E Responds

Big E has clarified the future of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.

Big E, Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston were all floundering on the mid-card until they joined forces to form The New Day. The group quickly took off among the fans, and it became one of the most popular acts in wrestling.

As a result, The New Day became global icons. At one point, they even had their own cereal. Over the past several years, New Day has won numerous Tag Team Titles. The group underwent a major change a few years ago after they kicked Big E out since the latter could no longer wrestle due to an injury. A few months ago, news broke out that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods had parted ways with the WWE. Since then, there has been a lot of speculation about the duo’s future.

Big E doesn’t think Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are retired

During a recent appearance on The A2theK Wrestling Show, Big E stated that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods’ WWE departure might’ve come as a shock to them since they assumed they would finish their respective careers in the sports entertainment juggernaut.

“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.”

The former WWE Champion further added that he doesn’t think his former stablemates are retired for good. He also said he’s excited to see what’s next for them.

“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.”

He also added that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods will get to spend more time with their respective families now that their 90-day non-compete clause is active. He recalled that they used to work five days a week every week, and they would even be on the road when they weren’t wrestling.

“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.”

“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.”

Big E then opened up about his relationship with Kofi and Xavier. He said they will always be family to him, and he’s glad they were able to leave their mark on the industry.

“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.” [H/T Ringside News]

It will be interesting to see what’s next for The New Day.

Also read: The New Day’s AEW Arrival All But Confirmed Following WWE Exit

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