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Top WWE Star Confirms Retirement From Wrestling At 39

By John Canton • Published Feb 07, 2026 09:51 EST
WWE Logo Blur Big E

A former WWE Champion has issued a statement that puts an end to his in-ring career as a wrestler.

Big E is a former WWE Champion, who also held the Intercontinental Title two times, and he was an 8-time Tag Team Champion as a member of The New Day with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.

Sadly, Big E suffered a serious neck injury during the March 11, 2022, episode of WWE SmackDown. It was a tag team match where The New Day was competing against Sheamus and Ridge Holland. When they were out on the floor, Holland gave Big E a belly-to-belly suplex outside the ring that led to Big E landing on the top of his head, which broke his neck.

The belly-to-belly suplex on the floor ended up being the last bump of Big E’s in-ring career because he suffered a fractured his C1 and C6 vertebrae. Unlike others with serious neck injuries, Big E was able to avoid having surgery. While he tried to get cleared to wrestle again, it never happened.

In an interview with Compas on the Beat at Super Bowl Radio Row on Thursday, Big E stated that he was retired from wrestling, which gained traction online.

“I’m content. 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 Issues Statement Confirming WWE In-Ring Retirement

Writing on X/Twitter, Big E issued a statement about his official in-ring retirement nearly four years after his final match.

I entered the pro wrestling industry at age 23 with an injury history that included a Torn Left ACL, Torn Right ACL, Torn Left Pec, and a Broken Right Patella. At 39, I’m well aware, that I will one day have to pay the piper. I’ve put my body through a lot. And somehow, I feel great. I don’t battle daily pain. I’m able to function normally and healthfully.

I’m eternally grateful for the wonderful career I stumbled into. I pray for all of my fellow athletes and performers who have not had the same good fortune. A sincere thank you to everyone who has taken the time to follow my in-ring career. It was an immeasurable gift to get to perform for you all.

Even though Big E is no longer wrestling, he still remains part of WWE as a panelist on WWE pre- and post-shows, where he has been praised for his incredible insight and positive personality.