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‘Real Reason’ They Left WWE

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The ‘real reason’ why Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have left WWE has been revealed.

Shockwaves were sent through the wrestling world on Saturday when it emerged that The New Day duo had reportedly “mutually agreed” to depart the company.

In the aftermath of WrestleMania 42, WWE has axed a number of performers, releasing 23 Superstars in the space of just a single night late last month. Despite the aggressive manner in which they have slashed contracts, the news of Kingston and Woods’ exits still caught many by surprise.

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods’ WWE Releases Explored

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods

That apparently includes those who worked with the pair backstage. Per a report from Fightful Select, those in the locker room “believed both men were WWE lifers.”

Describing both men’s departure as a “mutually-agreed upon release”, Fightful confirmed that Kofi will still be able to wrestle under that first name, as it is his real-life one. However, he is not believed to be able to use the name “Kingston”.

Woods, meanwhile, will have to adopt a different identity, given that the ‘Xavier Woods’ was created and is owned by WWE. The outlet notes that the 39-year-old has “worked to establish ‘Austin Creed’ name outside of WWE programming” and would be able to wrestle under that name elsewhere, if desired.

Unsurprisingly, should Kingston and Woods choose to team together outside WWE, they won’t be able to perform as ‘The New Day’.

Why Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods Were Released By WWE

An explanation for the pair’s departure was also revealed in the report, with the blame being placed at the door of WWE’s corporate owners, TKO.

Per Fightful sources, TKO “has tasked WWE with shedding millions of dollars in payroll [expenses].” As a result, the company has had to be especially ruthless when it comes to making roster cuts.

While an exact salary figure for the duo was not stated, it was noted that “Kofi and Creed [Woods] both make well into the seven figures.”

Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

Therefore, despite signing new deals just last year that “were expected to carry them well into 2030”, WWE opted to come terms with performers on their releases in order to save what would appear to be millions of dollars on an annual basis.

Despite the news breaking on Saturday, it is believed that Kofi and Woods had come to the decision to accept the offer of a release as early as Monday.

Kingston and Woods are expected to be in high demand outside of WWE, with several high-profile figures in rival promotion All Elite Wrestling said “already be pushing” for the pair to be hired.

Even though their releases were “mutually agreed”, Fightful state that “there is a wait period on the releases, expected to be the standard 90 days.”



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Viral Croatian Model Ivana Knoll Starts New Career as a DJ

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Ivana Knoll, a Croatian model who went viral at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, has started a new career since first being spotted supporting her country.

She became famous instantly after being snapped wearing the iconic red and white checks of her country eight years ago. The 33-year-old then made headlines in Qatar four years ago after many of her outfits went against the country’s strict rules.

Ivana now has almost three million followers on social media and was spotted at Croatia’s 2026 World Cup clashes with England and Panama. She has continued to work as an influencer since her rise to fame, but has now embarked on a new journey.

Ivana Knoll Starts New Career at World Cup

Croatian model Ivana Knoll is pictured in the stands before the Champions League Final between Manchester City v Inter Milan

As well as her modelling and influencing commitments, Ivana has now embarked on a journey as a DJ. With the stage name ‘KnollDoll’, the superfan is performing at various venues during this summer’s World Cup.

Before her country were beaten by England in their opening game, she performed at a FIFA Fan Festival in Los Angeles. She’s previously worked with David Guetta and performed at high-profile venues like Madison Square Garden in New York.


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Speaking about the time-consuming new venture after watching Croatia defeat Panama, Knoll told talkSPORT: “I’m amazing. It’s my second game. I came only for Croatia games because now I’m on my DJ tour, my first big US tour.”

She then explained how this is her fourth World Cup, saying: “So I didn’t have time to visit other games, but I’m visiting Croatia games, and this is my fourth World Cup. It’s my routine already. Four World Cups in 16 years. In Brazil, I was very, very young.”

Recalling initially going viral in Russia in 2018, and then gaining even more attention in Qatar, Ivana is delighted to now be watching Croatia in the country she now lives in. She continued:

“In Russia, it was special because we [reached] the final, and I was already going viral in the first game.

“Then in Qatar, I really exploded worldwide, which I never expected. And now it’s here in the country where I live, so I moved to Miami four years ago. It’s amazing.”

Some may even recognise the aspiring DJ from a Formula One event earlier in 2026, when a Sky Sports cameraman appeared to get slightly distracted by her.

Ivana Knoll Names Her Favourite Player ‘as a Person’

Erling Haaland in action for Norway Burt Granofsky/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA via Reuters

Over the years, she’s come into contact with some of the biggest names in world football. However, the 33-year-old claimed to have a particularly pleasant experience when meeting Man City and Norway star Erling Haaland.

“Honestly, personally, who I met and I think is the only player who I really like as a person, is Haaland.

“We have a photo together, and I’m small next to him, and I’m 180.”

She continued: “I know Vinicius [Junior], I know I met Haaland, I know Rafael Leao. They’re all nice guys, you know? So I cannot say anything, but my most impression was with Haaland and his friends. So I think they are very nice people.”

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Arsenal Ready First Bid For Morgan Rogers

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Arsenal are preparing their first offer for Morgan Rogers, according to Football Insider, as the Gunners prepare for changes in their midfield department.

The Premier League champions have had a slightly subdued start to the transfer window compared to some of their rivals so far, with less work to do to stay at the very top.

There is still a desire to strengthen the options available to Mikel Arteta, however, with talks underway to sign Christos Tzolis and Jeremy Monga as squad options.

Then there’s a push for Bruno Guimaraes on the cards, with one bid rejected, and a second expected for the Newcastle midfielder in the coming days.

Arsenal have started to ramp up their interest in key targets, and it seems as though Rogers could be the next option the club pushes to sign.

Morgan Rogers Bid Prepared

Morgan Rogers

With a move for Guimaraes stepping up, Football Insider claims Arsenal are expected to make an opening bid for Rogers in the coming weeks of the transfer window.

The England international is claimed to be a “top target” for the Gunners, though any deal could be tough to strike with Aston Villa.

Rogers has a deal until 2031 at Villa Park, and it’s claimed that Unai Emery’s side are firmly against a sale. That said, any offer worth over £100 million would be enough for them to agree a deal.

It’s unclear what Arsenal’s starting point for the 23-year-old will be, as they set themselves up to make the first offer. However, it could be the start of a long saga that the North London club will hope ends in a deal to sign the versatile forward.

It would be quite the statement of intent from the Gunners too, signing a player who has been described as “one of the world’s best” in recent seasons.

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Arsenal Mean Business In Transfer Window

Mikel Arteta waving to the Arsenal crowd

Arsenal are showing they mean business this summer transfer window, with moves for Bruno Guimaraes and Morgan Rogers. The pair have been quality options for Premier League sides regularly making Europe, who will no doubt command huge fees.

But, after winning the division, it’s clear that the Gunners believe they can do what it takes to convince the stars to move to North London, irrespective of the fees.

That could see them move from strength to strength, platforming a pair of superstars into a team that is already filled with quality and hard-working talent around them.


Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League win against Atletico Madrid


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Arsenal are set to bid for one of their key transfer targets this summer, having made contact over a move.

It’s unclear whether it will be enough to make the side look more comfortable in the key moments, or if it will get them over the line in pursuit of the Champions League.

However, it shows that Arsenal aren’t happy just winning trophies once. They mean business and intend to do it all over again.

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Rangers Face ‘Difficult’ Transfer Negotiations To Land Swap Deal

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Rangers face an uphill task to land a transfer target for Derek McInnes, according to Football Insider, in a potential swap deal for Nicolas Raskin.

It comes as the Ibrox outfit face the possibility of losing the Belgian midfielder as part of a larger change within the squad, following last season’s disappointing finish.

The arrival of McInnes, along with Lawrence Shankland, may create the fresh start that Rangers need to fire them back towards the Scottish Premiership.

However, more moves will be required. There are links for a few options, but that may only come with an exit or two from Rangers in the coming weeks.

Rangers Swap Deal For Lewis Ferguson

Lewis Ferguson battling for the ball

Rangers have been linked with a move for Lewis Ferguson, the Bologna star who has previously featured under McInnes during their time together at Aberdeen.

The reunion has appeared as a possibility, as the Serie A side are interested in Raskin, with negotiations planned to land the midfielder from Ibrox this summer.

The chance of a swap deal appears tough, however, as Football Insider claims that the complex move is “difficult”, as Ferguson’s availability remains a sticking point in discussions.

An issue remains about the valuation of the Scotland international, who is described as “expensive”, especially following his recent outing in the World Cup.

Interest is seemingly set to ramp up in the 26-year-old, but Rangers may find it increasingly tough to get an agreement for their latest transfer target.

That won’t seemingly impact a possible exit for Raskin, however, with Bologna among the teams expected to continue pursuing a move for the 25-year-old in the coming weeks of the transfer market.

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How Much Rangers Want For Raskin

Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin celebrates

Rangers are still expected to lose Raskin this summer, regardless of whether it results in a potential swap deal with Bologna for Ferguson as his replacement.

The report from Football Insider claims a £20 million price tag has been placed on the Belgian international, as he continues to gain interest in his services.


Derek McInnes in the Hearts dugout


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The midfielder is hot property this summer

Another Serie A side, Atalanta, have been linked with Raskin as a potential option this summer, and they likely won’t be the last to join the race.

It remains to be seen where he could end up, but Rangers will be keen to invest the funds well to give McInnes the best chance of succeeding next season.

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