New Names for Released New Day Members Revealed

The two founding members of The New Day have officially confirmed their post-WWE identities following their departure on May 2, 2026. Promotional materials for the upcoming GalaxyCon in Oklahoma City reveal that the duo will now be billed as Austin Creed and Kofi.

The transition marks a return to roots for Xavier Woods, who is reclaiming the Austin Creed moniker. This name carries significant weight for the veteran, as it was his identity on the independent circuit and during his time in TNA before he joined WWE in 2010. It is also the name tied to his successful gaming brand, making it the logical choice for his career outside the ring. In his first public statement since leaving, Creed expressed his gratitude for the "Xavier Woods" chapter but noted he was ready to "walk away as Austin Creed."

For the former WWE Champion, the move to simply "Kofi" is a strategic way to bypass trademark restrictions. While "Kofi Kingston" is a name owned by WWE, "Kofi" is the performer’s legitimate first name. By stripping away the surname, he maintains the global recognition he earned over sixteen years while asserting his right to use his own name. Fans at GalaxyCon, scheduled for May 23–24, will be the first to interact with him under this streamlined brand.

Their exit from WWE was the result of a mutual agreement after TKO leadership reportedly requested a significant restructuring of their existing contracts. Both men chose to decline the pay cuts and leave the promotion, ending the longest-running faction in company history. While they remain under 90-day non-compete clauses that prevent them from appearing on televised wrestling programs until August, these new names serve as the foundation for their next move in the industry.