Booker T has shared his thoughts on the exit of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, offering strong praise for both men while supporting their decision to move on.

Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T described the former The New Day members as future Hall of Famers and suggested their WWE run had largely reached its natural conclusion.

Booker T on New Day Departure

Booker T questioned what more the duo could realistically accomplish in WWE at this stage.

“What else could they have done in WWE? Other than win the titles one more time. That’s the only thing they could have done in WWE. I mean, sticking around, it’s one thing, but wanting to really be a part of the show, that’s where it comes down to with a lot of these guys, like Xavier Woods, like Kofi Kingston, who still think that they have a lot more to give to the game. And I heard it was one of those mutual things between both parties. Those guys are Hall of Famers. WWE Hall of Famers, first ballot Hall of Famers when the time comes up. So I’m sure it’s going to be a way back for those guys,” Booker T said.

Supports Decision to Pursue More Money

Booker T also made it clear he supports their decision to prioritize financial opportunities, especially if better deals are available elsewhere.

“I’m a realist, man. You don’t want to leave no money on the table. You don’t want to leave no money on the table. And out there right now is money floating around on the table. I remember last time when I said guys like Edge going over, Ric Flair, those guys, I said AEW is a good place to retire. But people don’t talk about what else I’d say. It’s a good place to start, like a Ricky Saints, like Ethan Page. It’s a great place to start, too. So I just wanted to put that out there. It is a great place to end your career. Damn, it is a great place to end your career. You can get paid just as much money on your way out as you’re making at the end of your career. Is that not a good deal?” Booker T said.

He doubled down on that stance by framing it as a practical decision for long-term security.

“So I see so many people hating when I make a comment like that, but damn it, that’s a good deal if you can get it. So for me, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, just like The Hurt Business, you gotta retire sometime, and you want to retire from this business with some money in your pocket. That’s the way I look at that,” Booker T said.

Future Still Open

Booker T’s comments suggest that while Kingston and Woods have left WWE for now, he believes the door remains open for a potential return down the line.

At the same time, he emphasized that maximizing earning potential is a key part of any wrestler’s career decision, especially after years of success at the highest level.

Booker T New Day departure

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