Kofi and Creed Confirm AEW Debut Was a Joint Decision, Not a Solo Move

Key points

• Kofi stated that joining AEW without Austin Creed was not an option, describing their bond as a 'hive mind' that made the transition easier.
• The New Level won the AEW World Trios Championship at All In: London by eliminating Claudio Castagnoli and PAC as the final team.
• Creed and Kofi confirmed they can take bookings outside of AEW, highlighting the freedom and international opportunities available to them.
• Swerve Strickland addressed criticism regarding his role as the third member, stating he is not trying to replace Big E but is creating something new.
• The trio is scheduled to defend their titles against the Rascalz on the upcoming episode of AEW Dynamite.

Background

Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed left WWE in May 2026 after a period of growing apart, with insiders noting that WWE mishandled the departure and suffered a morale hit. Their move to AEW was seen as a major acquisition, with Tony Khan admitting he had not budgeted for their signing. The duo had previously been rumored to join AEW as Swerve Strickland's mystery team, a speculation that was confirmed when they debuted at All In: London. This transition marked the first time Kofi was outside WWE and the first time since 2010 that Creed was not in WWE.

How outlets are covering it

411MANIA highlights the emotional bond between Kofi and Creed, noting that Kofi expressed gratitude for Creed's support during their unemployment period. Fightful emphasizes the business freedom the duo now has, with Creed and Kofi confirming they can take bookings outside of AEW and are excited about international opportunities. Cageside Seats focuses on the critical reception of Swerve Strickland's inclusion, noting that while some fans were skeptical of the heel-turned-face partnership, Strickland has defended the move as a fresh start rather than a replacement for Big E. AEW's official coverage celebrates the debut as a major success, highlighting the crowd's reaction and the immediate title win.

Why it matters

The success of The New Level in AEW signals a significant shift in the tag team landscape, with the former New Day members now leading a new era in AEW's tag division. Their ability to win titles immediately and their confirmed freedom to take external bookings suggest they are a major draw for AEW. The partnership with Swerve Strickland, despite initial skepticism, has been well-received, indicating a potential long-term trio that could challenge for other championships. This move also highlights the competitive nature of the wrestling industry, with WWE reportedly regretting their departure and AEW capitalizing on the opportunity.

What to watch

The New Level and Swerve Strickland are set to defend their AEW World Trios Championship against the Rascalz on AEW Dynamite. The trio's future in AEW will likely be shaped by their ability to maintain their momentum and potentially challenge for other titles, such as the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Their international bookings and external opportunities will also be a key factor in their long-term success and influence in the wrestling industry.