In a surprising turn of events, Kelly Kincaid, formerly known as Quinn McKay, has transitioned from wrestling to roller derby after her release from WWE in February 2026. Meanwhile, the popular tag team New Day, consisting of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, has also left the company due to ongoing contract disputes.
Kincaid spent eight years in the wrestling world before her departure. “I didn’t have an identity outside of work for eight years,” she expressed, highlighting the personal toll that a career in professional wrestling can take. Her shift to roller derby reflects a desire for a new chapter—”It’s like wrestling, but you know… on roller skates,” she said, emphasizing the excitement of this new sport.
The situation with New Day is equally complex. Their contracts were not officially up; however, they faced pressure to restructure their deals under TKO’s new terms. Bryan Alvarez confirmed that it was ultimately their decision to leave based on what TKO was offering for a new deal. This move raises questions about how WWE compensates its talent—especially those who aren’t top singles stars.
This backdrop of talent departures comes at a pivotal time for WWE, particularly with major events like WrestleMania 42 and SummerSlam on the horizon. Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are expected to retain their championships through these events, indicating that WWE still has strong cornerstone pieces in its roster.
Key facts:
- Kelly Kincaid was released by NXT in February 2026.
- New Day left WWE due to contract disputes with TKO.
- Liv Morgan won the Women’s Royal Rumble and the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42.
This wave of changes could signal a shift in how WWE approaches its talent management moving forward. Observers note that as more wrestlers seek better opportunities outside of traditional wrestling roles, WWE may need to reevaluate its compensation strategies. Criticism has been mounting over how the organization retains or signs talents who aren’t established top stars.
The landscape of professional wrestling continues to evolve rapidly. With fresh faces like Jordynne Grace potentially stepping into championship roles—Rhea Ripley is expected to lose her title soon—the future looks dynamic yet uncertain for many wrestlers navigating these transitions.
