Former WWE Champion Has No Timeline For Return

A WWE star currently on the injured list isn’t taking any chances when it comes to getting back in the ring.

Big E was advised never to wrestle again in the aftermath of a broken neck he suffered during a match on SmackDown back in March 2022. The star has provided several updates on his status since the injury, including revealing that he “felt incredible” during an interview in August 2023.

However, despite being on the mend, the former WWE Champion has not given a timeline for a potential return to the ring. There is a good reason for this, as he doesn’t know himself.

During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Big E said he “wishes” he could give more information on a return to wrestling, but his injury is complex.

“I wish I had more information for you. Right now, there is really no timeline. I’ve been to a few different doctors who have looked over my scans. I don’t have any issues, I feel great, but I broke my C1 in two different places, it’s called a Jefferson fracture and because of the nature of the fracture, it takes longer to heal.

“Initially, they told me three months. I thought three months and I would be back to wrestling, but things ended up being more complex. There are chances I might take with a broken forearm or finger. An ACL (injury), I’ve had before.”

While Big E was happy to risk his health when he was younger, at the age of 37 he is being a lot more cautious, and wants to make the best decision for his health.

“I started wrestling when I was 23, and at the time, I was like, ‘If I die in the ring, doing what I love, so be it.’

“I’m 37 now and you see life differently and you have other things to think about. I’m trying to make the best decision for myself and my health moving forward. I don’t have any answers.”

Big E Was Injured By A Move Gone Wrong On WWE Smackdown

Big E was injured on SmackDown in March 2022 during a tag team match which saw him and Kofi Kingston clash with Sheamus and Ridge Holland of the Brawling Brutes.

The action spilled to the outside during the match, and Holland gave Big E an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. Unfortunately, things went wrong as the star did not land as intended, instead falling head-first onto the floor.

In the aftermath of the accident, Holland revealed he had received death threats, leading to Big E’s New Day teammate Xavier Woods urging fans to “be kind” and focus on sending positive energy to his injured friend.

H/T to Fightful for the above transcription.