Fans React to Surprising Update on WWE's Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have easily established themselves as entertaining stars and among the best tag teams in professional wrestling, with lengthy tenures in WWE.

Amid recent news that WWE is parting ways with many talents, including Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, and Zelina Vega, it seems Woods and Kingston are also out. However, the multi-time tag team champions reportedly “mutually decided” to part ways with WWE, which may be a smart business decision.

The surprising update on their situation arrived from Fightful Select and BodySlam’s Cory Hays the morning after WWE SmackDown, prompting many fans to react to the news.

Read more: WWE's Danhausen is Best for Business After Lifting ‘Knicks Curse' in NBA

Over 400 comments arrived on an X news post from Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp. Understandably, many weren’t happy about their departure, and others suggested where they’ll see Woods and Kingston next.

“Holy s*** I thought both would be lifers, especially Kofi. Hope WWE don’t regret losing them, especially UpUpDownDown,” a commenter said.

“They've been a part of so many storylines over the years, what a loss. Hope wherever they land, that they continue to shine,” an X commenter said.

“There is no other way to put it… HHH and the entire creative team completely fumbled these guys after that great heel turn against Big E,” a commenter replied.

“No surprises given how WWE booked them after that brilliant heel turn. Had so much potential. What a waste,” a commenter wrote.

“We're actually going to get New Day vs Young Bucks,” someone else suggested.

It’s undeniable that Woods and Kingston are future WWE Hall of Famers. They’ve won various WWE tag team championships numerous times, some while working with Big E, who still works for WWE as an on-air personality.

Along with that, Kingston is the 13th Grand Slam Champion in WWE history, due to all of the championships he won. His time with WWE ended after an impressive 20 years, which also included plenty of Royal Rumble and other highlight matches and in-ring moments.

And their leaving WWE certainly opens the door up for them to debut in All Elite Wrestling, a place where many other former WWE stars have gone.

Among them are some of Woods and Kingston’s former co-workers, including Adam “Edge” Copeland and Christian Cage, along with Cesaro, Chris Jericho, and Jon Moxley, better known as Dean Ambrose in WWE. Having those former co-stars already there certainly helps make that move, if that’s where they go.

One would think this is the best business move for them upon leaving WWE, as it would also open up the opportunity to work against tag teams and wrestlers they have yet to really get into the ring with.

The aforementioned Young Bucks would undoubtedly be a match many fans would want to see in AEW under Tony Khan. Still, it’s possible Kingston and Woods have something completely different in mind with leaving.

Read more:Stephanie Vaquer WWE Injury Update Arrives After WrestleMania 42 Loss

For more about WWE and professional wrestling, visit Newsweek Sports.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 12:10 PM.