Published: May 2, 2026 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: May 2, 2026 by Sanchez Taylor
Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.
WWE
Former WWE Champion Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, JC Mateo and Tonga Loa are confirmed to be departing the company.
WWE has now removed Kingston, Woods, Mateo and Loa from the current roster, moving them to the Alumni section of the public page.
Fightful Select and Cory Hays of Bodyslam report that all four stars are departing the company. The report stated that Kingston & Woods “mutually decided to part ways with WWE.”
The report didn’t include any further details on Mateo and Loa’s exits.
This comes after the latest round of talent cuts, with over 20 names reported on April 24 and 25 to be departing WWE.
Kofi Kingston was one of the most veteran names on the roster, first signing a developmental contract with WWE in September 2006 and remaining with the company for almost 20 years, up until this announced departure.
Kingston was a Grand Slam Champion with WWE, holding Intercontinental, US and tag gold on multiple occasions, and notably winning the WWE Championship from Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 35.
Including gold on Raw, SmackDown and NXT, Kingston had 16 tag title reigns in WWE, many of which were with his New Day tag partner Xavier Woods.
Woods signed a developmental deal with WWE in July 2010, becoming a Tag Team Triple Crown Champion alongside Kingston, and winning the 2021 King of the Ring tournament ahead of his recent departure.
Following an initial developmental stint with the company in 2009-2011, Tonga Loa signed with WWE in 2024, aligning with Solo Sikoa and his brother Tama Tonga at that May’s Backlash PLE.
He held the WWE Tag Team Championship with Tama Tonga for 84 days after winning the gold that August.
JC Mateo is the most recent of the above names to join WWE, making his debut at the May 2025 Backlash event.
As of writing, Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga of the MFTs, as well as former New Day member Big E, are all still listed on the Current Superstars page of the roster, indicating that they’re still with the company.
We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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