Kofi and Creed Win AEW Trios Titles in Debut as 'New Level'

Key points

• Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed signed with AEW after leaving WWE in May 2026, reportedly due to a pay cut dispute.
• They debuted at All In London on August 30, 2026, as 'The New Level,' dropping the 'New Day' name.
• The duo joined Swerve Strickland as a wildcard team in the Trios Roulette Royale at Wembley Stadium.
• They defeated 'Hangman' Adam Page and Brody King to win the AEW World Trios Championship.
• Kofi and Creed became the first competitors in AEW history to win a title on their first night with the company.

Background

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods (now Austin Creed) left WWE in May 2026 after 20 and 16 years, respectively. Their departure followed reports that WWE executives requested a pay cut during a five-year contract extension. The duo had previously won 12 tag team titles in WWE, including a record 483-day reign, before Big E's injury in 2022 ended the three-man unit. AEW had recently faced financial setbacks, including a $30 million loss on its video game 'Fight Forever,' but continued to invest in high-profile talent acquisitions.

How outlets are covering it

Ringside News reported the signing and match plans before the event, noting the duo would not use the 'New Day' name. Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated confirmed the title win and debut, emphasizing the shock value of the WWE exit and the immediate championship success. Sports Illustrated highlighted Kofi's public statement about not compromising his worth, while Bleacher Report focused on the historical significance of winning on debut night. All sources agreed on the match result and the new team name 'The New Level,' but differed in emphasis: Ringside focused on the pre-event planning, while the others detailed the in-ring action and historical context.

Why it matters

The immediate title win establishes Kofi and Creed as top-tier talent in AEW's tag division, which already includes The Young Bucks and FTR. Their high-profile debut signals AEW's ability to attract major stars from WWE, potentially shifting the balance of power in professional wrestling. The success also validates AEW's strategy of using wildcard entries in major events to generate surprise and excitement, despite recent financial challenges.

What to watch

Kofi and Creed will likely defend the AEW World Trios Championship at upcoming events, including AEW WrestleDream. Their integration into AEW's tag division will be a key storyline, potentially leading to feuds with established teams like The Young Bucks or Cope and Cage. AEW may also use their success to market future events, leveraging the 'first title on debut' narrative to attract new fans and sponsors.