# The New Level debut and title defense in AEW > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/the-new-level-debut-in-aew > Updated: 2026-09-07T03:01:20.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 5. Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed, performing as ‘The New Level’, made a surprise debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at the All In event in Wembley Stadium. To maintain secrecy, the duo reportedly used disguises and stayed in a hotel away from the venue to avoid detection by fans. During the event, the pair teamed with Swerve Strickland to win the AEW World Trios Championship, emerging as the sole survivors in a Trios Roulette Royale match. Following their victory, Ricochet and his group, The Demand, criticized the newcomers. Ricochet dismissed Kingston and Creed as ‘rookies’ who upstaged established talent, suggesting they have yet to pay their dues within the promotion. AEW President Tony Khan noted that the signing resulted from rapid negotiations after the duo became free agents and was not originally part of the company’s budget. The duo confirmed that their AEW contracts were finalized less than 24 hours before the London event. In discussions regarding their transition from WWE, it was reported that the duo faced a contract renegotiation request involving a pay cut exceeding 50%. While Kingston noted that compensation was a factor, the decision was driven by pursuing professional dreams on their own terms. Industry commentator Jim Cornette expressed skepticism regarding the move, suggesting that while Tony Khan met their financial requirements, the duo might become ‘just another cog’ in the company rather than increasing their overall profile. Since their debut, The New Level has successfully defended the AEW World Trios titles against The Rascalz on AEW Dynamite. Following the All In event, where Kenny Omega lost the AEW World Championship to Will Ospreay, reports indicate Omega is expected to enter a new program with The New Level. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Kenny Omega to enter program with The New Level following All In title loss After losing the AEW World Championship to Will Ospreay at All In, Kenny Omega is slated to enter a new program with Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed, known as The New Level. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenny-omega-to-enter-program-with-the-new-level-following-all-in-title-loss ### 2026-09-06: The New Level wins AEW World Trios Titles in debut Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed, performing as The New Level, won the AEW World Trios Titles in their debut. The move has drawn criticism from Ricochet and commentary from Jim Cornette regarding their career arc 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-new-level-wins-aew-world-trios-titles-in-debut ### 2026-09-04: The New Level debuts in AEW and wins World Trios Championship Former WWE stars Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed, now ‘The New Level’, debuted in AEW by winning the World Trios Championship at All In London and have successfully defended the titles. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kofi-kingston-and-austin-creed-debut-as-aew-trios-champions ### 2026-09-01: The New Level discuss WWE departure and AEW success Former WWE stars Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed, now The New Level, discuss leaving WWE over significant pay cuts and their successful AEW debut as Trios Champions. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-new-level-make-surprise-aew-debut-at-wembley-stadium ### 2026-08-29: Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed debut as The New Level in AEW Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed debuted as ‘The New Level’ at AEW All In, winning the AEW World Trios Championship alongside Swerve Strickland after leaving WWE. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kofi-kingston-and-austin-creed-debut-in-aew-at-all-in-london --- Cite as: The New Level debut and title defense in AEW. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/the-new-level-debut-in-aew