Former WWE champion Big E has hinted that his in-ring career may be over during a recent podcast appearance
The former New Day stalwart expressed surprise at being invited on the podcast because his wrestling career is now in the past.
Big E’s comments come after a long period of recovery from a broken neck injury sustained during a tag team match on SmackDown in March 2022 at the hands of Ridge Holland.
I always think, and I’m not trying to do the woe is me thing. But I, for all the people you’ve had on, you know, I always feel like, ‘Why me?’ You know my career is kind of behind me,” Big E said on What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon (H/T: Sportskeeda). “I’m very much someone who is appreciative. I think I had a really good career. Very proud of it.”
The injury occurred when Holland performed an overhead belly-to-belly suplex outside the ring, but didn’t fully flip Big E onto his back, causing him to land on his head and neck area.
Although he avoided surgery and has lived a normal life since the accident, his neck has not healed to the point where he has been cleared to wrestle. Notably, Holland has recently been released from WWE and has said he has never recovered from the incident either.
Despite his in-ring absence, Big E has continued to work for WWE in other capacities, including as a pre-show and post-show host for premium live events.
He also played a pivotal role in the storyline involving his former New Day teammates Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, who turned heel late last year.
Wrestling Intel understands that Big E now dedicates a lot of his time to scouring new talent for WWE and taking part in many of their tryouts as WWE scour the globe.
It’s understandable that WWE would have him in such a role; his natural charisma is one thing, but he translated his skills from American Football over to the WWE inside the ring.
The 39-year-old’s career is marked by numerous achievements, including eight tag team title wins as part of New Day, two intercontinental championships, and a WWE championship win after cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.
Talents like Edge, Saraya (Paige) and Sheamus have all come back from serious neck injuries to wrestle again and it’s sad to think someone as beloved as Big E never will.
However, never say never in wrestling and, of course, Big E’s health and happiness comes first.
