WWE Releases More Talent: Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Tonga Loa, and JC Mateo Moved to Alumni Section
In another wave of roster cuts, WWE has reportedly released several names by moving them to the company’s Alumni section on WWE.com.
Among those affected are two major names from one of the most successful tag teams in modern WWE history — Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day — along with Tonga Loa and JC Mateo.
This news is according to multiple sources including Fightful Select, nothing official from WWE.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have been cornerstones of WWE programming for over a decade. Since forming The New Day in 2014 alongside Big E, the group revolutionized tag team wrestling with their high-energy promos, colorful gear, and incredible in-ring chemistry.
Together, they’ve held multiple tag team titles and built a legacy that will likely land them in the WWE Hall of Fame someday. Their move to Alumni status marks the end of an era.
While Big E has been sidelined with a neck injury in recent years, many fans hoped the group would get one final run or proper send-off. Instead, it appears WWE is choosing to slim down the roster amid broader cost-cutting and creative restructuring.
Sad to see the New Day chapter close this way. But it was a mutual decision for Kofi & Woods, again this is all according to sources.
Other Names Released
Tonga Loa (formerly Tanga Loa in NJPW): Recently part of the Bloodline storylines, he brought physicality and family legacy but struggled to find consistent momentum on the main roster.
JC Mateo: A newer addition with a strong look and presence, he had limited TV time to make a major impact.
These moves come on the heels of previous rounds of releases as WWE (under TKO Group Holdings) continues to optimize its roster for the post-merger era, with a heavy emphasis on digital content, live events, and Netflix’s upcoming SmackDown deal.
WrestleVoice will continue to monitor the situation for any official statements from WWE or the released talent. These cuts may not be the last we see in 2026.
