Few could have predicted what the biggest WWE news story was going to be on Saturday, May 2.
As morning broke in the United States, wrestling fans looked set for a quieter weekend compared to the past few weeks. However, just over a week after the unfortunately traditional post-WrestleMania releases, news broke of 2 more major departures.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, 2 mainstays in WWE for well over a decade, had been informed that their time in the company had come to an end. While fans were stunned at the initial news, follow-up reports generated an even greater discussion online.
It has been indicated that Kingston and Woods were asked to restructure their deals [take a pay cut]. When the multi-time tag champions refused, they were informed that their services were no longer required. The following day, another report noted that a top talent was asked, and agreed to, a 50% cut in their salary. Although the news regarding Kingston and Woods was shocking in its own right, the circumstances surrounding their exit could be the first of WWE’s latest controversial financial measures.
Kofi Kingston And Xavier Woods Refuse WWE Pay Cuts So Are Released
While this is in no way defending WWE’s decision, there’s no denying that Kingston and Woods were not the stars they once were in their final few months in the company. In late 2024, Kingston and Woods kicked Big E out of The New Day in what was one of the most heartbreaking TV segments in recent memory. With the duo now one of the most hated acts in the company, a major heel run looked to be a can’t-miss opportunity. However, with little to no follow-up and a disappointing Tag Title run, Woods and Kingston were greatly fumbled by WWE’s creative.
Despite this, this was not the way that the legendary tag team should have ended. Regarded as one of the best tag teams in history, The New Day were guaranteed to be future Hall of Fame inductees as a group and individually. Additionally, Woods and Kingston could have served as the veteran tag team to help future acts and even guest-coach at the PC. Even if The New Day wanted to call time on their careers in WWE, they deserved a better send-off than this. More than a decade together, the power of friendship and KofiMania, and this is how it ends?
Unfortunately, WWE has always seen itself as a team not a collection of its players. The company has the mindset that fans are coming to see WWE and that the stars are secondary. Aside from a select few, most of the card is replaceable and there has yet to be a significant backlash to a mass change in line-up.
Able to overcome the odds, The New Day are an inspiring success story in wrestling and one of the most tenured acts. Unfortunately, loyalty is nothing in the present day, and money talks louder.
As was more apparent than ever with WrestleMania 42, maximising revenue has become the number one priority. With more ad placements and sponsors in place of in-ring time and video packages, WWE are taking every opportunity to squeeze every last cent possible out of its airtime. And yes, that does include the man who paid a large sum to sit at the commentary table for Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill.
Those who have owned businesses have battled with costs through tough times. With staffing being a controllable cost, bosses have had to cut bonuses, salaries or even jobs altogether to stay afloat. That being said, WWE is far from being in financial trouble right now.
This is not 1995, when office water coolers couldn’t be refilled as it was too expensive. The company continues to break records, has more sponsors than ever before, and the recent financials make for interesting viewing. With Nick Khan, Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro earning an excess of $130 million last year, this is not a business with a cashflow issue. Sadly, those at the top earning the big bucks while others get cut is not limited to pro wrestling, and is a sad snapshot of the corporate world in 2026.
The WWE Pay Cuts Continue As Company Looks To Maximise New Strategy
Woods and Kingston’s situation is far from an isolated one. Since the former Tag Team Champions were released, it has been reported that multiple stars have been approached to take pay cuts, with reductions of half their salary being offered. While one option here is to reject the offer and walk away, realistically, how far can a released star go? AEW’s roster is pretty much full, TNA won’t be able to pay anywhere near enough, leaving the other option to be taking the risk on the independents. This literally is the case of 50% of something is potentially better than 100% of nothing.
Despite the fact that this has caused outcry among fans, this is the TKO strategy and is very much here to stay. From a fan perspective, the amount of adverts is frustrating, but TKO have made it clear that they are looking to get as much money as possible. It has been a few weeks since Mania, and there haven’t been any major drop-offs in attendance or ratings despite Mania being poorly received. WWE will always have its fans no matter what tactic they pull, and the company know it.
TKO is a business, and they are within their rights to do whatever they want to maximise profitability, but this is ultimately where the issue lies. Ever since TKO took over WWE, fans have noticed that the promotion feels more like a business than ever before. A decrease in product quality, more ads, ruthless cuts and a show that isn’t as enjoyable as it used to be, this is what WWE has become in 2026.
The company also knows that fans are quick to forget. There were no chants demanding New Day be brought back, and the recent releases already feel like a distant memory. It’s not the WWE many grew up with and enjoyed, but this is what the biggest pro wrestling company will look like for the foreseeable future…
Featured image logo: WWE
