WWE Superstar Austin Creed Bid Farewell After 16 Years in Emotional Message

WWE Superstar Xavier Woods (known by his ring name Austin Creed) , has shared an emotional farewell following his recent departure from WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).

In a deeply personal Instagram message, he looked back on a career that shaped both his life and identity, while expressing gratitude for the journey that brought him from hopeful newcomer to global star.

For over a decade and a half, WWE was more than a workplace for him. It was home. It was where he first entered FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling) with the goal of proving he belonged and bringing something new to professional wrestling. That journey led to unforgettable milestones, including appearances on the grand stage of WrestleMania, championship victories, and winning the prestigious King of the Ring.

Over the years, he became known not only for his in-ring performances but also for the way he connected with fans through authenticity, creativity, and personality.

A legacy of positivity in and out of the ring

A defining part of his career came through The New Day, alongside Kofi Kingston and Big E. What began as an unconventional idea evolved into one of the most beloved factions in wrestling history. Their message of positivity, individuality, and self-expression resonated with fans around the world and helped redefine what a wrestling group could represent.

Outside the ring, he expanded his creative reach through UpUpDownDown, a platform built around gaming, friendship, and community. It became another space where his personality and passion could connect with audiences in a more personal way.

Behind-the-Scenes gratitude

In his farewell message, Creed acknowledged the many people who contributed to WWE’s success behind the scenes.

He thanked producers, trainers, camera crews, ring staff, and fellow talent. He also highlighted the props department, showing appreciation for the often unseen work that helps bring weekly shows to life.

His message emphasised that WWE is built on teamwork, not just individual performance.

Here is what he wrote in his own words:

“For the past 16 years, WWE has been my home. It’s where I grew up, found myself, failed, learned, and got to live out things the younger version of me could only dream about.

“When I first walked into FCW, I just wanted a chance to prove I belonged and to bring something different to professional wrestling. That chance became a life full of moments I will carry with me forever — WrestleMania, championships, King of the Ring, arenas around the world, and the gift of connecting with all of you by being myself. The New Day gave me a bond with Kofi and Big E that I will cherish for life. You believed in us, even when our ideas were wild, and because of that, we got to show people that being unapologetically yourself is a strength.

“UpUpDownDown became another piece of that same mission: a place for joy, friendship, and humanity. I’m so thankful to everyone, past and present, who helped build it brick by brick,” wrote Austin.

A final thank you to the WWE family

Continuing with his message, Austin further wrote:

“To the locker room, producers, trainers, crew, camera teams, ring crew, everyone behind the scenes, and the props department – thank you. WWE has the most special and hardest working props department that you will ever find. Love you guys and none of this happens without you. And to everyone who has been part of this ride: thank you for believing in me. Thank you for letting me be Xavier Woods. Thank you for giving me the confidence… to walk away as Austin Creed,” wrote Austin.

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