Kofi Kingston has filed trademark applications for "KSM" and his legal name, Kofi Sarkodie-Mensah, covering merchandise as well as professional wrestling performances, appearances, interviews and related content. The filings mark a concrete step as speculation intensifies that the former New Day duo is bound for AEW. Kingston and Austin Creed (formerly Xavier Woods) parted ways with WWE earlier this year.
Multiple outlets, including Fightful and Slam Wrestling, report that AEW sources expect both men to join the promotion soon, with reinvented presentations said to be in the works. However, neither has officially signed and no debut has been announced, though speculation has centered on AEW All In at Wembley Stadium on August 30. Separately, the pair have been confirmed as guest captains for the Chris Jericho Cruise in November.
Elsewhere Friday, WWE aired SmackDown from TD Garden in Boston, featuring three championship matches and advertised appearances by CM Punk, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. In MLW, Big Damo agreed to a contract extension expected to keep him with the company.