In a surprising turn of events, Kelly Kincaid has transitioned from WWE wrestling to roller derby following her release in February 2026. Meanwhile, the popular tag team New Day, consisting of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, has left the company due to contract disputes with TKO.
Kincaid, who spent eight years in the wrestling world, shared her thoughts on the change: “I didn’t have an identity outside of work for eight years.” The former Quinn McKay is now embracing a new chapter in her life. She humorously described roller derby as “like wrestling, but you know… on roller skates.” This shift comes at a time when many wrestlers are reevaluating their careers amidst ongoing contract negotiations.
For New Day, their departure from WWE was not a matter of contracts expiring but rather a refusal to restructure their deals under TKO’s terms. Bryan Alvarez confirmed, “We can also confirm that in the case of New Day, it was their decision to leave based on what TKO was offering for a new deal.” This decision highlights ongoing frustrations regarding compensation for talents who aren’t top singles stars.
As the wrestling landscape shifts, Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are expected to retain their championships through SummerSlam 2026. Liv Morgan recently made headlines by winning the Women’s Royal Rumble and subsequently capturing the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42. Meanwhile, Rhea Ripley may soon lose her title to rising star Jordynne Grace.
The tag team division continues to evolve as wrestlers like Jacob Fatu and Tiffany Stratton make waves. Yet, with New Day’s exit, fans wonder how this will affect the dynamics within WWE’s roster. Observers note that WWE has faced criticism for not adequately compensating its talents, particularly those who are not established stars.
As Kincaid laces up her roller skates and New Day embarks on new ventures outside WWE, the future remains uncertain yet exciting for all involved. The next big event on the calendar will be SummerSlam in early August 2026, where fans will surely be watching closely as these changes unfold.
