Big E Reacts to New Day WWE Departure

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have departed WWE, bringing an end to the active tenure of The New Day as a trio. The news of the departures was confirmed on May 3, 2026, signaling the conclusion of one of the most decorated and enduring alliances in the history of the company’s tag team division.

Big E, the third member of the group, responded to the news on May 3, 2026. According to reporting from Wrestling Attitude, Big E acknowledged the transition by sharing a symbolic fan art post on social media, using the artwork to reflect on the bond and history shared between the three performers.

The Legacy of The New Day

The New Day formed in 2014, evolving from a standard wrestling alliance into a cultural phenomenon within the industry. Defined by their Power of Positivity mantra and vibrant personalities, the group consisting of Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods became a cornerstone of WWE programming for over a decade.

Throughout their tenure, the group achieved a level of success rarely seen in the tag team ranks. They are among the most prolific champions in WWE history, holding the Tag Team Championships on multiple occasions across different brands. Their ability to blend high-energy comedy with elite athletic performance allowed them to maintain relevance across various eras of the company.

A defining moment for the group occurred in 2019 during the period known as KofiMania. The collective support of The New Day played a central role in Kofi Kingston’s ascent to the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35, a victory that served as a pinnacle for the group’s narrative of perseverance and mutual support.

Big E’s Role and Injury Status

The departure of Kingston and Woods comes at a complex time for Big E. He has been sidelined from active in-ring competition due to a severe neck injury that required surgical intervention and a lengthy rehabilitation process. While his teammates continued to compete and perform, Big E remained a constant presence in their corner, providing vocal support and maintaining the group’s unity from the sidelines.

Because of his injury status, Big E was not actively wrestling alongside Kingston and Woods in the period leading up to their May 3, 2026, departures. His reaction via fan art serves as a public acknowledgement of the end of their shared journey in WWE, while he continues his own recovery process.

Impact on the Tag Team Division

The exit of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods removes two of the most experienced veterans from the WWE roster. The New Day were often utilized as the benchmark for other tag teams, providing a blend of technical skill and character work that influenced a generation of performers.

The group’s departure marks the end of a specific era of tag team wrestling characterized by long-term storytelling and stable loyalty. While WWE has seen many teams rise and fall, the consistency of The New Day’s chemistry made them a rare exception in a landscape often defined by frequent partner changes.

As of May 3, 2026, WWE has not released official statements regarding the specific terms of the departures or whether Kingston and Woods will pursue opportunities in other wrestling promotions. The focus remains on the symbolic farewell shared by Big E and the legacy left behind by the trio.