Veteran in-ring performer Kofi Kingston parted ways with WWE on May 2nd. This was almost 20 years after he signed a developmental contract with the company and was sent to Deep South Wrestling in September 2006.
His departure from the company came alongside long-time tag team partner Xavier Woods, who both mutually split from WWE. The two began their partnership with fellow star Big E, and began the stable known as “The New Day“. That stable would go on to be known as one of the greatest of all time.
Kingston has since opened up on his personal Instagram account to discuss his WWE release.
Ex-WWE Star Kofi Kingston Gets Honest About WWE Departure
GettyXavier Woods and Kofi Kingston attend NETFLIX TUDUM 2025: THE LIVE EVENT at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images for Netflix)
Kingston sent out a heartfelt post on Instagram on Monday.
“My story has been nothing short of remarkable, and I’m truly blessed to have had such an illustrious, accolade-laden, and most importantly, fun-filled career. I made my childhood dream become the most wonderful reality.
Throughout this journey, I’m so thankful to have been surrounded by great friends and to have built so many unbreakable connections with people that I’m very proud to call my family. Most people go through life without ever experiencing a love like I have for Woods and E. That bold alone would have made this whole experience worth it.”
Kingston then goes on to express gratitude for “far too many people to mention by name”. It’s understandable, as he’s been in the WWE’s orbit for two decades. He also thanks his wife for her “unending love, support, and sacrifice.”
Kofi Kingston, known in real-life as Kofi Nahjae Sarkodie-Mensah, finished his words with a great slew of life advice.
Kofi Kingston Sends Out Words to Live By
GettyXavier Woods (L) and Kofi Kingston of New Day walk to the ring for their World Tag Team Championship match against War Raiders during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“Do your best to live a life without regrets. Control what you can control, always give it your all, and fight hard for what you believe in.
Do not ever compromise or accept less than your due when it comes to your worth. Find the courage to believe in yourself and fearlessly pursue your goals and dreams, because anything is possible.
The kid that was too small, short, skinny, and scrawny was never supposed to make it in this land of giants. Yet, here we are.
And so, as the sun sets on one chapter, so too must it rise another. Tomorrow is indeed…A New Day.”
Kingston departs WWE with a long list of accolades within the company.
- 1x WWE Champion
- 4x WWE Intercontinental Champion
- 3x WWE United States Champion
- 7x WWE World Tag Team Champion
- 7x WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champion
- 1x NXT Tag Team Champion
- 13th-Ever WWE Grand Slam Champion
- 30th-Ever WWE Triple Crown Champion
- 3rd-Ever WWE Tag Team Triple Crown Champion
- 2010 WWE Bragging Rights Trophy
- 2x WWE Slammy Award Winner
We send the best of wishes to Kofi Nahjae Sardokie-Mensah and his post-WWE career.
Ex-WWE Star Kofi Kingston Opens Up on Release