Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods break silence following shocking WWE release

Just days after the successful WWE WrestleMania 42 PLE in Las Vegas, Nevada, WWE released several of its wrestlers. From multiple emerging LFG and NXT names to main-roster talents including Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, and Kairi Sane, to the shocking names of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.

While, the other wrestlers were released by WWE, Woods and Kingston’s decision to part ways was more mutual after they were reportedly asked to take a pay cut on their contract. Days after their departure, both Woods and Kingston broke their silence on social media. Relaxing and playing with his kid, Kingston shared a heartfelt message.

“It’s taken me two full days to respond to all my texts. I hadn’t been on social media until today and I’m overwhelmed by all the messages here too. So much love. So I can’t help but to be filled completely with gratitude…My story has been nothing short of remarkable and I am truly blessed to have had such an illustrious, accolade-laden and, most importantly, fun-filled career. I made my childhood dream become the most wonderful reality,” he wrote.

“Throughout this journey, I’m so thankful to have been surrounded by great friends and to have built so many unbreakable connections with people that I’m very proud to call my family. Most people go through life without ever experiencing a love like I have for Woods and E. That bond alone would have made this whole experience worth it. There are far too many people to mention by name here, but to everyone who has ever supported me, guided me, helped me, taught me, cheered for me, praised me, stood up for me, and even rooted against me: Thank you. I appreciate you more than words can say.

“My main mission has always been a simple one: To provide a comfortable life filled with heartwarming memories for my family. And, largely in part to all of you, I can proudly say that I have achieved that goal and more. This wasn’t supposed to be a novel, so let me wind it down with some advice: Do your best to live a life without regrets, control what you can control, always give it your all, and fight hard for what you believe in. Do not ever compromise or accept less than your due when it comes to your worth. Find the courage to believe in yourself and fearlessly pursue your goals and dreams, because anything is possible. The kid that was too small, short, skinny, and scrawny was never supposed to make it in this land of giants…yet here we are. And so…as the sun sets on one chapter, so too must it rise in another. Tomorrow is indeed…a New Day [sun emoji],” Kingston finished.

It’s taken me two full days to respond to all my texts. I hadn’t been on social media until today and I’m overwhelmed by all the messages here too. So much love.

So I can’t help but to be filled completely with gratitude…

My story has been nothing short of remarkable and I am… pic.twitter.com/Tw7ZTpg9Q3

— Kofi Kingston (@TrueKofi) May 4, 2026

Kofi Kingston’s tag team partner, Xavier Woods, also shares WWE release statement

Similar to Kingston, his former tag-team partner, Woods also shared an emotional message paying his gratitude to everyone involved in his career. “For the past 16 years, WWE has been my home. It’s where I grew up, found myself, failed, learned, and got to live out things the younger version of me could only dream about. When I first walked into FCW, I just wanted a chance to prove I belonged and to bring something different to professional wrestling. That chance became a life full of moments I’ll carry with me forever — WrestleMania, championships, King of the Ring, arenas around the world, and the gift of connecting with all of you by being myself,” he said.

He also opened up about his bond with Kingston and former New Day member Big E and cherished the moments he spent with them. Woods also opened up about the UpUpDownDown video game project and how it became a place for “place for joy, friendship, and humanity.”

“To the locker room, producers, trainers, crew, camera teams, ring crew, everyone behind the scenes, and the props department – thank you. WWE has the most special and hardest working props department that youll ever find. Love you guys and none of this happens without you. And to everyone who has been part of this ride: thank you for believing in me. Thank you for letting me be Xavier Woods. Thank you for giving me the confidence… to walk away as Austin Creed.”

The post Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods break silence following shocking WWE release appeared first on ClutchPoints.