The New Day Leaves WWE After Refusing Pay Cut Deal

The New Day has officially left WWE after Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods declined a significant pay cut. According to a new Wrestling Observer Radio report, the duo was on a list of talent WWE creative had little interest in featuring going forward. Rather than being released outright, they were offered a reduced rate to stay on under their existing contract and shift into a more promotional role. Both turned the offer down, ending one of the most successful tag team runs in modern WWE history.

The New Day Walks From WWE Pay Cut Offer

Kingston and Woods had signed a five-year contract back in 2025 at a specific dollar figure. Just one year into that agreement, they were being asked to take less money while still being held to the original term length. Faced with that proposition, both opted to leave rather than honor a deal under significantly different terms than what they originally signed.

The pitch from WWE was that they could remain under contract while their in-ring work was phased down, with promotional duties filling the gap. For two performers who had built their careers on connecting with live audiences, the reduced role and reduced pay didn’t add up. Both decided to test the open market instead.

WWE Pay Cuts Affect Fewer Than Six Wrestlers

The report also clarifies that the broader WWE pay-cut conversation involves fewer than half a dozen performers. Those approached were not high-end players — they were performers who would have been released outright had they not accepted the new terms. Jeff Cobb (JC Mateo) was also mentioned as someone initially planned for a major push that never materialized, with WWE having earmarked him for prominent singles programs that ultimately fell through. For The New Day, the exit closes one of the most successful tag team chapters in modern WWE history. More analysis on the tag team landscape is available at Alleitewrestling.com.

Source: Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio.