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Kofi confirmed reports that he and Austin Creed were asked to take giant pay cuts to stay with WWE before their stunning departures.

Creed and Kofi performed in WWE as Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston, respectively, forming the legendary New Day stable with Big E in 2014. The group stayed together for 12 years, even after Big E retired following a career-ending neck injury in 2022.

After months of speculation, Kofi and Creed debuted for AEW at Sunday’s All In pay-per-view. Now performing as “The New Level”, they teamed up with Swerve Strickland to win the World Trios Championship in the Trios Roulette Royal match.

During an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show” (h/t F4WOnline.com), Kofi stated that WWE requested they accept pay cuts of over 50 percent to stick around.

“I don’t know exactly what’s out there. I will say, it was more than 50 percent, which a lot of people don’t know,” Kofi told Helwani.

During the interview, Creed added that WWE never sent a farewell message or thanked him after his departure.

Austin Creed says he never received a call, text or thank you from WWE higher-ups before leaving the company.

Kofi Kingston makes it clear there’s no bitterness toward WWE despite how things ended:

“I just want to say I’m super grateful for the time that we had there. Living… pic.twitter.com/foyPEsnKAe

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 1, 2026

It was previously reported that WWE asked New Day to take 50 percent pay cuts. The legendary duo was reportedly under contract through 2030.

WWE Has Parted Ways With Plenty of Notable Stars in 2026

As stunning as the exits of Woods and Kingston were, they’re only among the handful of notable stars to leave WWE this year.

WWE also moved on from future Hall of Famer Sheamus and other household names like Apollo Crews, Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega and the Wyatt Sicks stable. With Bayley’s contract reportedly expiring soon, it remains to be seen if she’ll stick with WWE as well.

The Air Jordan 3 Retro OG ‘Rare Air’ (IB8967-004) was one of those releases that seemed to fly under the radar, and that’s perfect because it puts a stylish retro within arm’s reach. It’s also one of my favorite Air Jordan 3s. The details are niche without becoming corny, giving Tinker Hatfield’s classic just enough personality to separate it from the countless AJ3s already in rotation.

Key Facts At A Glance

Where Can You Buy the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’?

The resale market is where the ‘Rare Air’ gets interesting. As of August 31, 2026, StockX asks across many popular men’s sizes sit below the original $210 retail price. Sizes 8.5 through 12 are mostly between $135 and $185. More importantly, StockX reports a $151 average sale price across 1,031 sales over the previous three months, giving that value argument some real weight.

GOAT is competitive too. Sizes 9 through 11 currently range from $149 to $189, while size 13 is $234 and size 14 is $229. Those are asking prices, so use the offer feature when available. There’s no reason to rush.

What Makes the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’ Stand Out?

Nike built the ‘Rare Air’ concept around the quirks and imperfections associated with early Jordan samples, and that inspiration shows up without making the shoe feel gimmicky. The Nike Air heel branding is mirrored, with one side reversed.

Grey suede replaces the Air Jordan 3’s traditional elephant print, and I love the decision. It works with the muted black tumbled leather while Military Blue hits on the midsole and collar add energy. Coconut Milk around the heel and Chile Red branding finish a color palette that has plenty going on without becoming difficult to wear.

Why Does the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’ Matter?

Jordan Brand spread its ‘Rare Air’ theme across several major silhouettes in 2025, including the Air Jordan 1, Air Jordan 3, Air Jordan 4 and Air Jordan 11. The AJ11 may have been the headliner for me, but for everyday wear, give me the 3 hands down.

I’ve worn Air Jordan 3s for decades, and this is exactly how you update the silhouette without losing what makes it work. The materials hold their shape well, the cushioning remains comfortable for casual wear, and the altered details reward sneakerheads who actually look closely.

Should You Buy the Air Jordan 3 ‘Rare Air’?

Absolutely, especially below retail. I bought mine for the full $210 and don’t regret it at all, so seeing pairs available around $150 makes this an easy recommendation.

The black and grey foundation works with jeans, cargos and joggers, while the Military Blue, Chile Red and mismatched Nike Air branding provide just enough flair. For someone who wants an Air Jordan 3 that feels different without looking like a novelty release, the ‘Rare Air’ may be one of the better values hiding on today’s resale market.

Related: Air Jordan September 2026: The Complete Guide to Every Release

Related: Air Jordan 3 ‘Khaki’ Navy Elephant Print, Khaki Suede, Gum Sole: 2027 Release Details

The U.S. Open is officially underway, and tennis fanatics are holding their breath to see how the chaos unfolds in Flushing Meadows. Late last night under the bright lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium, Frances Tiafoe was the last man standing, battling back in a grueling five-set thriller against fellow American Martin Damm to lock in his spot in the second round.

It was a gritty performance, coming just weeks after his massive run to the finals at the Cincinnati Open and shortly after having a cyst removed from his right hand. When we caught up with the world number 11 just last week, he admitted the hand was finally feeling good again, but recovery was as much of a mental battle as a physical one.

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Battling Back From Injury

“It’s one of those deals where you don’t want to rush it, but you also can’t let it mess with your mind,” he says. “Once I got into matches, I felt like I could trust it and just play my game. Making that run in Cincinnati gave me a lot of confidence. I didn’t have a ton of matches under my belt, but I was able to compete with some really good guys and put myself in a position to win.”

That is the biggest takeaway from runs like that, he explains. It isn’t about getting lucky, it’s about finding a way to push through the discomfort. You don’t always have to feel 100 percent to finish strong, and finding a way to compete while your body is still healing is a great sign that you’re doing something right.

Still, dealing with a lingering physical issue forces a player to be far more strategic on the court. It means constantly adapting your approach and subtle stroke mechanics to protect your body without sacrificing power.

“I’ve definitely had to be smart with it,” he says. “The biggest thing was not trying to do too much too soon and really trusting what my body was telling me. I’m still trying to play aggressive and use my forehand and serve the way I normally do, but there are moments where you have to pick your spots and not make every ball a war.”

For him, playing smart means refusing to overthink. He relies heavily on his instincts and the endless hours of practice he’s put in over the years, knowing that playing scared is the ultimate distraction on a big stage.

Feeding Off New York Energy

And there is no stage quite like New York. Any top player will tell you that stepping out in front of more than 23,000 screaming fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium is a completely different beast. The energy is electric, the crowd is wild, and Tiafoe says the atmosphere feels like it’s buzzing before you even step foot on the hard court.

His goal is to lock in immediately, transforming that raw stadium energy into sharp focus rather than letting it turn into nerves.

“I try to remind myself: it’s the same sport, same job, just bigger lights,” he says. “I channel the emotion into tactics. Like, okay, how do I create time? How do I make them move? Where do I want the ball? If I’m locked into my plan, the crowd becomes part of the background instead of something that takes over my head. And honestly, that’s when I play my best, when I’ve got a plan, and I let the energy fuel me, not distract me.”

Keeping his physical energy up is just as crucial. Even with adrenaline coursing through his veins, the notoriously unpredictable Open schedule and marathon three-hour matches in the humid late-summer heat can drain anyone fast.

“I really try to focus on a balanced diet and giving my body the right fuel to maintain energy levels,” he says. “That’s why I fuel with CLIF Bars for a combo of carbs and protein to keep me going through hard workouts and matches, especially where there can be rain delays or times where your match ends up later or longer than you anticipate.”

Whether he’s reaching for a CLIF White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bar or grabbing a bag of Cookies & Creme Energy Bites, quick nutrition keeps mid-match lulls at bay and ensures he never runs on empty when the pressure heats up.

Throughout the final week of August, the U.S. Department of State updated a host of travel advisories, including one for a major tourist hotspot.

“A Travel Advisory is a report from the U.S. Department of State that describes the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens—not foreign nationals—in a foreign destination,” says the State Department website. “The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad. Information contained in these advisories reflects an assessment of threats only insofar as they may impact U.S. citizens, nationals, and legal residents.”

On Monday, the State Department sent out an updated Level 2 warning for Brazil, meaning Americans should “exercise increased caution” when visiting.

However, there are also certain areas of Brazil under more severe travel restrictions.

The four travel advisory levels, explained

State department travel advisories come in four different levels, ranging from Level 1 –“Exercise normal precautions”–to Level 4–“Do Not Travel.”

• Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions” – The lowest risk level, reserved for countries that are generally safe.
• Level 2: “Exercise increased caution” – Certain areas of the country may carry increased risks such as theft, crime, terrorism or political unrest.
• Level 3: “Reconsider travel” – Here is where it starts getting more serious. U.S. citizens are urged to reconsider travel plans, due to “serious risks and security.”
• Level 4: “Do not travel” – The most severe advisory level, due to possible “life-threatening risks.” The United States may not be able to help guests in case of an emergency, and asks citizens not to visit or leave as soon as possible.

Countries under Levels 1 and 2 will be reviewed every 12 months, while those under Levels 3 and 4 will be looked at at least every six months.

“A Travel Advisory will also be updated any time conditions change substantially. This includes when the U.S. government changes its staffing levels or restrictions in a country due to security concerns,” the State Department website says.

What to know about Brazil

Overall, Brazil has been under Level 2 for some time, meaning U.S. citizens are safe to visit but should be a little bit more cautious and aware of their surroundings due to crime and kidnapping risks.

Still, there are certain places in Brazil the State Department warns Americans not to go near, including its international land borders. Even U.S. workers in Brazil must “obtain special authorization to travel within 100 miles/160 km of the international land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.”

Additionally, Brazil’s informal housing developments (favelas, vilas, comunidades or conglomerados) and “Satellite cities” are also under Level 4.

You can read the full Brazil travel advisory here.

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In This Story

Why We Love This Deal

REI is turning up the heat on its Labor Day Sale (running now through Sept. 7). The sale is packed with goodies, including some blazing deals on Patagonia jackets and even some from Arc’teryx. But the news today is that REI has served up a scorching bargain on an all-time classic jacket from The North Face that we haven’t seen in a very long time.

The North Face Retro Denali Jacket is available at REI for just $100, a 50% discount. It’s on sale in one colorway, however, and sizes are selling fast (small is already gone). It’s incredibly rare to find this coveted jacket on sale with such a steep discount, and REI’s deal easily beats the prices at TNF, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom, and Macy’s. 

Pro tip: If this fleece goes out of stock in your size, consider TNF’s Crest Full-Zip Jacket. Although it lacks the pit zips of the Denali, it has a similar fleece fabric and pocket layout, and it’s highly rated among REI shoppers. 

The North Face Retro Denali Jacket, $100 (was $200) at REI

What Shoppers Should Know

• Colorways on Sale: 1
• Fabric: 100% recycled polyester fleece, 100% recycled nylon with DWR finish
• Pockets: 4 zippered pockets
• Other Features: Pit zips

The Denali was originally designed as a breathable, warm fleece for climbing. It debuted in 1988 as part of TNF’s Expedition System, a line of outerwear designed to be layered and worn for serious alpine expeditions. Climbers especially loved its low weight and warmth, and it quickly morphed into a casual wear favorite as well. 

The current version sticks with the original design, which means it offers a comfy, casual-wear-friendly fit and feel with serious performance, too. The pit zips are an especially nice feature, and rare among fleeces like this—they allow you to dump excess heat quickly when you’re working hard. Better yet, with four zippered pockets, this jacket has plenty of storage for everyday errands or big wall climbing.

Related: The North Face’s Ultra-Cozy Yumiori Fleece Jacket Is 50% Off at REI

What Shoppers Are Saying

This is not some modern knockoff: The Retro Denali proudly showcases the same classic layout of the original Denali, just with recycled fabrics. 

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In this case, an “old” design is a good one, because shoppers absolutely love it. REI reviewers waxed poetic about the Denali. One called it “a staple of my four-season backcountry adventures for more than 25 years” and “a workhorse of simple perfection.” Another put it to the test over 40 years of outdoor adventures, and they “wore it on hundreds of climbs, including the summit of Denali.” This is a rugged, comfortable, versatile fleece that truly lives up to its name.

The Retro Denali Jacket is almost certainly going to sell out, and it could disappear in a matter of hours. Zip over to REI ASAP and grab yours for 50% off while you can. 

Shop More Deals

• The North Face Yumiori Off Peak Half-Zip Jacket, $70 (was $140) at REI
• The North Face Canyonlands 1/2-Zip Pullover Fleece Jacket, $40 (was $80) at Backcountry
• Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Insulated Pullover, $99 (was $199) at REI

Major League Wrestling has landed a former TNA World Champion and Women’s Wrestling Hall of Famer.

On Monday, MLW announced that it has signed Tessa Blanchard, who will debut at the FIGHTLAND event in Charleston, South Carolina, on Sept. 12. The 31-year-old issued the following statement on her MLW arrival:

“Heavy is the crown, but legacy isn’t handed to you…it’s forged under pressure. I’ve earned my place as one of the best in the world at what I do, but I’m not coming to MLW to rest on the Blanchard name. MLW is bringing some of the purest, hardest-hitting action in the sport today, and the Undeniable Diamond belongs right at the top of it.”

Blanchard had a brief one-year stint in WWE (2016 to 2017) before landing with Impact Wrestling (now TNA) in 2018. At the 2020 Hard to Kill pay-per-view, she defeated Sami Callihan to become the Impact World Champion (now the TNA World Championship).

To date, Blanchard is the only woman in TNA/Impact Wrestling history to hold the promotion’s world championship belt. She also held the Impact Knockouts Championship for 147 days.

MLW Makes Another Big Move

Blanchard is the latest household name to join MLW.

Following his WWE departure, former NXT Champion Killer Kross returned to MLW last year. Things couldn’t be going much better for Kross, who’s held the MLW World Heavyweight Championship since Jan. 29.

Austin Aries, the current National Openweight Champion, also returned to MLW last year as a commentator, but he soon made his way back into the ring.