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Why Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, JC Mateo and Tonga Loa are leaving WWE - Explained
WWE is reportedly set to lose several major names, with Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, JC Mateo and Tonga Loa exiting
WWE is reportedly set to lose several major names, with Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, JC Mateo and Tonga Loa all said to be departing the company in a dramatic shake-up following recent roster cuts. According to wrestling journalists Sean Ross Sapp and Cory Hays, Kingston and Woods have ‘mutually parted ways’ with WWE, bringing an apparent end to The New Day.
End of an iconic WWE faction
The reported exit closes a chapter that began in 2014 when Kingston, Woods and Big E formed The New Day. Initially introduced as upbeat, gospel-inspired babyfaces, the trio struggled to connect with audiences before WWE reinvented them.
That character shift transformed the group into one of WWE’s biggest success stories. Their act blended humor, gaming culture, anime references, unicorn horns, pancakes and trombone performances into a wildly popular presentation that resonated with fans across generations.
Their achievements inside the ring were historic. The New Day captured 13 WWE-branded tag team championships, the most in company history, while also recording seven SmackDown tag title reigns and a record-setting 483-day Raw tag title reign.
The faction also used the ‘Freebird Rule’, allowing members to rotate during tag-team title defenses.
Big E injury changed the group’s future
After Big E suffered a broken neck in 2022 that effectively ended his in-ring career, Kingston and Woods continued competing together as a duo.
Kingston most recently appeared on WWE programming on April 17 alongside Grayson Waller in an unsuccessful tag title match, while Woods is currently recovering from a shoulder injury.
Despite turning heel in late 2024 and writing Big E out of the faction during a controversial Raw anniversary segment, the duo remained a consistent presence in WWE storylines and feuds involving factions like The Judgment Day and The Final Testament.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods built standout solo careers
Outside of The New Day, both wrestlers enjoyed significant singles success.
Kingston famously captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 in one of the company’s most celebrated fan-driven storylines. He also held multiple Intercontinental and United States titles during his career.
Woods, meanwhile, won the 2021 King of the Ring tournament and became a major crossover personality through gaming and online content creation.
Tonga Loa and JC Mateo departures surprise fans
The exits reportedly extend beyond The New Day.
Sapp and Hays also reported that Tonga Loa and JC Mateo are no longer under WWE contract despite both recently appearing as part of The MFTs, an offshoot faction connected to The Bloodline and led by Solo Sikoa.
The group had been involved in major SmackDown storylines alongside names such as Jacob Fatu, Roman Reigns and The Usos.
Loa previously held WWE tag team gold and returned to the promotion in 2024 with Tama Tonga. Mateo, known internationally as Jeff Cobb, joined WWE less than a year ago after building a reputation in Japan and independent wrestling.
WWE roster shake-up continues
The departures come shortly after WWE reportedly released more than a dozen superstars from its roster, including Kairi Sane, Aleister Black and members of The Wyatt Sicks.
While WWE has not yet officially commented on the latest exits, the reported departures of Kingston, Woods, Mateo and Loa have already sparked widespread speculation about what comes next.
