Doctors Begged Current WWE Superstar Not To Get Back In The Ring: “I Was This Close To Stroke, Paralysis, Or Death”

Big E has not wrestled since March 2022, and the former WWE Champion doesn’t regret it one bit. He recently explained why he has no desire to get back in the ring anytime soon.

The former New Day member was involved in a horrific incident on the March 11, 2022 episode of WWE SmackDown, when he teamed with Kofi Kingston against Sheamus and Ridge Holland.

During the match, Holland delivered an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor, dropping Big E on his head and fracturing his C1 and C6.

Although the 40-year-old avoided surgery, he hasn’t stepped back inside the squared circle ever since. He has since transitioned into an analyst.

Speaking on the Haangout podcast, Big E disclosed that his doctors made the decision easier for him. He said he was told that he would be risking his life if he were to lace his boots again.

And he almost begged me not to get back in the ring. He said even if, you know, even if you get cleared, it’s my C1. It is the most important vertebra when it comes to, you know—when I broke my neck, doctors told me I was this close to stroke, paralysis, or death.”

He added:

“And look, what we do is fun. It pays the bills, but at that time, I don’t want to die in the ring. I don’t want to be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life in my mid-30s and have to live that way for another who knows how long.” (H/T – Ringside News)

Check out the full interview below:

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He made the retirement official on February 6, 2026, with a statement on X, after telling Compas on the Beat during Super Bowl week that he was “content” and that “right now I’m retired, and that for me is it.”

Big E marries Current WWE Champion’s Sister

Big E’s life outside the ring has moved quickly. He married Michin’s sister, Kris Yim, on October 21, 2026. The two have been together since April 2024 and got engaged on May 5, 2025.

From Kofi Kingston to Seth Rollins, several wrestlers from AEW, WWE, and TNA were in attendance for his wedding.

The former New Day member is now expected to appear at the upcoming Crown Jewel premium live event on November 7, 2026, where he will be part of the pre-show panel.

Edited by Sidharth Sachdeva