Big E, the third member of the New Day faction, may be forced to make a tough decision regarding his WWE career due to a severe neck injury he suffered over two and a half years ago. The 38-year-old superstar has been out of commission since March 11, 2022, when he suffered a broken neck and fractures in his C1 and C6 vertebrae after a botched belly-to-belly suplex on SmackDown.
The injury, while not fatal, has proven to be a career-threatening issue, with several notable WWE superstars having to retire or take a hiatus due to similar neck problems in the past. Adam Copeland (FKA Edge), Daniel Bryan, Santino Marella, and Stone Cold Steve Austin are among those who have faced similar challenges. Big E’s injury has yet to fully heal, and he’s not yet been medically cleared to return to in-ring competition.
In a recent interview, Big E admitted that his neck hasn’t fully ossified, meaning it hasn’t turned into new bone yet. Instead, it’s healing fibrously, which is a slower and more complicated process. The WWE superstar also expressed concerns about the physically demanding nature of professional wrestling and the risks involved with taking bumps, which could exacerbate his injury. He hinted that it’s uncertain whether he’ll ever be able to return to wrestling again, emphasizing that medical clearance is essential.
One possible scenario is that Big E might return to WWE and intervene in the ongoing tensions between his fellow New Day members, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The two have been at odds lately, displaying miscommunication and losing matches as a result. Big E, with his return, could potentially serve as a mediator and help the trio rekindle their signature unity. Alternatively, he might challenge The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh for the WWE World Tag Team Championship, providing an exciting storyline development on the big day of The New Day’s 10th anniversary.
While the future remains uncertain for Big E, one thing is clear: his career is facing a significant turning point. If he does decide to hang up his boots, it would mark a bittersweet moment for fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Big E has been an integral part of the WWE’s core roster and a beloved figure, and his potential retirement would be a loss for the company. On the other hand, if he does return, his presence would undoubtedly bring a fresh dynamic to the WWE terrain.
