Former New Day member Big E has released a statement following recent confirmation that he has “retired” from wrestling.
Earlier this week, a new interview with Big E surfaced, where the former world tag team champion said that he is retired from wrestling. The 39-year-old has been out of action since 2022, when he suffered a broken neck during a match on Smackdown.
“I’m content,” Big E said when asked about his future during an interview with Compas on the Beat. “And in wrestling, they always say ‘Never say never,’ but right now I’m retired, and that for me is it. I’m focused on other things right now.”
After the news hit about Big E’s comments, the WWE talent posted a lengthier statement on social media, reflecting on the physical toll of wrestling and thanking fans for their support.
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…
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) February 6, 2026
“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.”
Big E first entered wrestling back in 2009 after a career in football came to an end due to injury. He trained in WWE’s feeder brand FCW before later also appearing in NXT, where he became the show’s champion.
Big E joined the WWE main roster in late 2012, being paired with Dolph Ziggler and AJ Lee. He captured his first main roster title in 2013, defeating Curtis Axel to capture the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
Big E will best be remembered for his time alongside Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods as the New Day. The trio went on eight tag title reigns from 2015 to 2020, establishing them as one of the most prominent groups of the 2010s.
His time in the group included supporting Kofi Kingston during his world title run in 2019, then later having his own time with the belt in 2021.
Big E has continued to work with WWE following his in-ring career, appearing in on-screen hosting positions and helping the company in other behind-the-scenes roles.
