Professional wrestling mainstays Kofi and Austin Creed, known for their long tenure as Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods in WWE's The New Day, made headlines with their unannounced appearance at AEW All In 2026. Their unexpected transition to AEW, where they now compete as The New Level, follows a contentious departure from WWE. The pair disclosed that WWE demanded a significant pay reduction, which they felt was disrespectful to their contributions and value, ultimately influencing their decision to seek new opportunities.
The highly anticipated AEW All In 2026 event, held in London at the renowned Wembley Stadium, witnessed several memorable moments, none more surprising than the debut of Kofi and Austin Creed. This iconic duo, previously unadvertised, became a last-minute entry in the promotion's inaugural Trios Roulette Royal match. Partnered with Swerve Strickland, they achieved an immediate victory, securing the AEW Trios Championships on their very first night, marking a remarkable start to their new chapter.
Their separation from WWE occurred in May, bringing an end to a 12-year journey as a tag team, which also included Big E. While Big E remained with WWE in a non-wrestling capacity, Kofi and Creed faced contract renegotiations that included substantial pay cuts. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting a 50% reduction, Kofi clarified in a Monday interview on "The Ariel Helwani Show" that the proposed decrease was, in fact, even higher. They officially signed with AEW just one day before their electrifying debut.
Kofi articulated that the terms presented by WWE were deemed unfair, considering their extensive experience, skill, and the value they brought to the organization. He highlighted their versatility as performers, capable of generating strong reactions regardless of their role. While compensation was a significant factor, Kofi stressed that the primary motivation was the desire to continue pursuing their wrestling dreams under conditions where their talent and contributions were genuinely appreciated. Creed added that WWE offered no farewell messages or calls upon their departure, underscoring the abrupt nature of their exit.
The duo's decision to leave WWE and join AEW was a calculated move rooted in their commitment to their craft and their demand for fair treatment. They sought an environment where their dedication and capabilities as entertainers and mentors were recognized and valued, leading them to embrace a new challenge and continue their journey in professional wrestling with The New Level.
