Kofi and Austin Creed leave WWE following contract pay cut disputes
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 5:41 PM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026
Kofi and Austin Creed recently joined AEW following their departures from WWE. In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Kofi disclosed that WWE proposed a salary reduction exceeding 50 percent for the tag team duo. The pair indicated that financial compensation was a primary factor in their decision to leave the promotion. Beyond the pay cut, they cited a lack of appreciation under current TKO ownership as a significant influence on their exit. The duo chose to transition to AEW to pursue their careers on their own terms and to secure opportunities to face new tag team competitors. They noted the decision to leave was made despite the uncertainty associated with changing organizations.
- •Kofi and Austin Creed departed WWE after being offered a pay cut greater than 50 percent.
- •The pair debuted with AEW following their appearance at the All In event.
- •Kofi cited a lack of professional appreciation under TKO ownership as a primary reason for leaving.
- •The duo expressed a desire to continue their wrestling careers on their own terms.
- 5:41 PMWrestling Inc — Kofi Addresses Feelings Toward WWE In Wake Of Departure, AEW All In Debut
- 4:00 PMWrestling Inc — Austin Creed Says He And Kofi Only Negotiated With AEW After Leaving WWE
- 1:00 PMWrestling Inc — AEW's Kofi And Austin Creed Say The Pay Cut WWE Offered Them Was More Than 50 Percent
"Kofi & Austin Creed shocked the wrestling world when they departed WWE earlier this year. Following the debut in AEW, Kofi spoke about his feelings towards WWE.
"Austin Creed has revealed that AEW was the only destination for him and Kofi following their WWE exit, naming the one big reason they chose the promotion.
"Kofi has detailed how he and Austin Creed were asked to take a pay cut of over 50% by WWE and explained a major reason for leaving the promotion for AEW.
Sources
External links- Wrestling IncSep 3, 2026, 5:41 PMKofi Addresses Feelings Toward WWE In Wake Of Departure, AEW All In Debut
Kofi & Austin Creed shocked the wrestling world when they departed WWE earlier this year. Following the debut in AEW, Kofi spoke about his feelings towards WWE.
- Wrestling IncSep 2, 2026, 4:00 PMAustin Creed Says He And Kofi Only Negotiated With AEW After Leaving WWE
Austin Creed has revealed that AEW was the only destination for him and Kofi following their WWE exit, naming the one big reason they chose the promotion.
- Wrestling IncSep 2, 2026, 1:00 PMAEW's Kofi And Austin Creed Say The Pay Cut WWE Offered Them Was More Than 50 Percent
Kofi has detailed how he and Austin Creed were asked to take a pay cut of over 50% by WWE and explained a major reason for leaving the promotion for AEW.
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