Former WWE Champion Big E has officially confirmed he’s done with in-ring wrestling, nearly four years after the devastating neck injury that sidelined him in March 2022.
Speaking recently with Compas On The Beat at Super Bowl Radio Row, the longtime New Day member opened up about this next chapter of his career. These days, Big E has settled into a new role as a WWE analyst on pre- and post-show panels for premium live events—and he admitted it’s been a pleasant surprise.
He called the broadcasting work “a blast,” adding that it’s opened his eyes to new possibilities and helped prepare him for future opportunities in media. When asked directly if there’s any part of him that still wants to return to the ring, Big E made his retirement official.
“It’s been good [working as an analyst]. It’s something I really enjoy, something I didn’t necessarily think I was going to do when my career was over. But it’s been a blast, man. “I get to be a part of what we’re doing in WWE and do it in a different way. I’ve really enjoyed being a part of helping people be more informed about what they’re about to see or what they just saw. It’s also helped prepare me for other roles in broadcasting as well…
“I’m content,” he said. “You know in wrestling they always say ‘never say never,’ but right now I’m retired, and that’s it for me. I’m focused on other things.”
While Big E has always sort of kept the door open in the past, basing any comments on his health and a potential medical clearance, this was his clearest statement yet about closing that door on his wrestling career.
Big E suffered his injury during a SmackDown match in 2022, landing on his neck while taking a suplex from Ridge Holland. That brought an abrupt end to a decorated run that included a WWE Championship reign and memorable tag team success with ex-partners The New Day.
While fans have continued to hold out hope for a comeback, Big E seems at peace with where he’s at—remaining part of WWE in a different capacity and embracing life beyond the ropes.
