Big E addresses whether he’s retired from WWE
Nearly four years removed from his last match, Big E considers himself retired from the ring — at least for the moment.
Big E (Ettore Ewen) suffered a broken neck during a match that took place on WWE SmackDown in March 2022. The former World Champion has not been able to return to active competition, but Big E is grateful to still be able to contribute to the company as a panelist on PLE pre-shows and post-shows.
Speaking with Compas on the Beat at Super Bowl Radio Row, Big E was asked if he ever gets the itch to return to the ring.
“I’m content,” he responded. “You know, in wrestling they always say ‘never say never.’ But right now I’m retired, and that for me is it. So I’m focused on other things right now.”
Big E has recovered to the point where he is able to live a normal life. His only limitation is wrestling because his neck is not forming new bone like it’s supposed to. Though his current role isn’t something he ever really expected to be doing, Big E told Compas on the Beat that he really enjoys the job because he’s able to help inform fans on what they’re seeing in the ring.
“It’s been good. It’s something I really enjoy, something I didn’t think I necessarily was going to do when my career was over. But it’s been a blast, man,” he said. “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. And it’s helped prepare me for other roles in broadcasting as well. So not something I had on my radar when my career was wrapping up, but I’m really enjoying it.”
Big E, who played defensive line for the University of Iowa while in college, is set to host an upcoming YouTube series focused on the NFL Draft. He has partnered with data analytics firm SūmerSports for the 10-week show, which premieres on February 12.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.