# Wrestling News: New Day Departs WWE, Asuka’s Future, and Massive AEW Dynamite Preview
It is a monumental day in the professional wrestling world this May 13, 2026. From shocking roster departures and legal drama in the boardroom to major injury updates and a massive night planned for AEW Dynamite, the landscape of the industry is shifting beneath our feet.
Here is your detailed breakdown of the top seven stories making headlines today.
## 1. End of an Era: The New Day Departs WWE; AEW Interest Peaks
In what is being described as the most shocking departure of the year, **Fightful Select and the Wrestling Observer** have confirmed that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are no longer with WWE. Reportedly, the split was "mutual" after the duo declined a restructured contract from TKO. The proposed deal reportedly included a pay cut and a shift toward promotional, non-wrestling roles.
The rumors of a jump to the "All Elite" side are already heating up. Sean Ross Sapp reports that over a dozen internal AEW sources are lobbying Tony Khan to sign the legendary duo as soon as their 90-day non-compete clauses expire. Notably, Woods has already reverted to his **Austin Creed** persona on social media, while Kingston is moving forward simply as **Kofi**.
## 2. The Wyatt Sicks Released; New Indie Identities Revealed
Following their release on April 24, the group formerly known as The Wyatt Sicks is officially heading to the independent circuit. **Dave Meltzer** reports that WWE creative felt the "tribute" gimmick had reached its natural conclusion.
Fans won't have to wait long to see them again, as a full reunion is scheduled for **WrestleCon** during SummerSlam weekend in Minneapolis. The members have confirmed their new (and old) ring names:
* **Bo Dallas** is now **Taylor Rotunda**
* **Nikki Cross** returns as **Nikki Storm**
* **Dexter Lumis** is back to **Samuel Shaw**
* **Erick Rowan** is **Erick Redbeard**
* **Joe Gacy** will compete as **Joseph Sawyer**
## 3. Asuka Goes on Indefinite Hiatus Following Emotional Farewell
Clarifying rumors of a potential retirement, **Mike Johnson of PWInsider** reports that Asuka is taking an indefinite hiatus from WWE to return to Japan for private family matters. This follows her high-profile loss to Iyo Sky at *Backlash 2026*.
While some internal whispers suggested "semi-retirement," it is important to note that Asuka remains under a multi-year WWE contract signed in 2024. WWE officials reportedly hold her in the highest regard and have opted to grant her leave rather than pursue a contract termination.
## 4. AEW Dynamite Preview: Owen Hart Brackets & Will Ospreay Returns
AEW takes over Asheville, North Carolina, tonight for a stacked episode of *Dynamite*. The primary focus will be the reveal of the official brackets for the **2026 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament**.
The in-ring action is equally high-stakes:
* **AEW World Title Match:** Darby Allin defends his championship against Konosuke Takeshita (stepping in for Kazuchika Okada).
* **The Return of the Aerial Assassin:** Will Ospreay competes in his first match in three weeks, taking on Ace Austin after being cleared of a recent neck injury.
## 5. Vince McMahon & TKO Face Legal Scrutiny Over "Signal" Messages
The legal fallout of the WWE-UFC merger continues. According to **Bloomberg Law**, Vince McMahon and TKO leadership appeared in Delaware Chancery Court today. Investors are questioning the transparency of the merger negotiations, specifically focusing on the use of the **Signal app** and its disappearing message feature.
While McMahon’s legal team maintains that over 22,000 messages have been produced and the deal was handled legally, the court is probing whether critical information was deleted during the transition.
## 6. Injury Updates: Dragon Lee and Luchasaurus
We have updates on two major stars currently sidelined:
* **Dragon Lee:** Absent since *WrestleMania 42*, Lee took to X (formerly Twitter) to signal a return in "2-3 weeks." Sources indicate he has been rehabbing a leg injury sustained during a ladder match.
* **Luchasaurus:** Appearing on *Talk is Jericho*, the AEW star revealed the severity of his absence, stating he tore both shoulders in late 2025. He is currently undergoing an aggressive "accelerated surgery" timeline with the hopes of returning to assist Jack Perry before the end of the year.
## 7. NJPW Announces Fan-Voted Awards for Best of the Super Juniors 33
In a move to increase global fan engagement, **NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi** has announced a new initiative for the *Best of the Super Juniors 33* tournament. For the first time in history, fans will vote on three official tournament awards: **Outstanding Performance, Fighting Spirit,** and **Technique**. Voting will open via NJPW’s digital platforms immediately following the league phase.
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**What do you think of today's news?** Is AEW the right move for Kofi and Austin Creed? Are you sad to see the Wyatt Sicks leave WWE? Give us your predictions for the Owen Hart Cup in the comments below!
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