Big E Discusses WWE Retirement After Neck Injury in Social Media Post, 'I'm Eternally Grateful'

Big E wrote that he is "eternally grateful" for his fantastic career in a social media post on Friday, expressing gratitude for his good health and fortune as well.

"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."

The former New Day member is a nine-time tag team champion, two-time Intercontinental champion and one-time WWE champion. He's a tremendous in-ring talent who enjoyed a fantastic stint as an active wrestler.

Sadly, Big E hasn't wrestled after suffering a broken neck during a March 2022 tag team match on SmackDown. Ridge Holland delivered an overhead belly-to-belly suplex during the match, but Big E landed on his head and neck.

These days, Big E is working for WWE as an on-screen personality, doing work as a pre-show and post-show analyst.

During Super Bowl week, Big E spoke with Compas on the Beat on Radio Row and was asked whether he would ever return.

"I'm content," Big E said, per Matt Black of The Takedown on SI. "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 had previously said his career was over, per comments made to Stephanie McMahon on her "What's Your Story?" podcast.

"My career is kind of behind me," Big E said (h/t Dylan Bowker of SEScoops). "I'm someone who is appreciative. I think I had a really good career, and I'm proud of it."

Big E's in-ring career may be over, but thankfully, he's sticking around WWE and making an impact in a new career as a broadcaster.