Former WWE Champion Big E hopeful of in-ring return
Former WWE Champion Big E recently revealed he was still hopeful of getting back to the squared circle. The New Day member has been absent from in-ring action for over two years.
The 38-year-old sustained a horrific injury during a tag team match on the March 11, 2022, episode of WWE SmackDown. He accidentally landed on his head while receiving a belly-to-belly at ringside from Ridge Holland, which resulted in a severe neck injury.
During a recent conversation with Carlo Perruzza, Big E explained why he was not medically cleared to compete even after a successful surgery. However, the former two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion hoped he could get a clearance within the next year or so and noted it was a race against time of sorts, as he wasn't getting any younger.
"We’ll see [if I could ever wrestle again]. Right now, my neck is just not ossifying. It’s not turning into new bone quite yet. It is kind of healing fibrously. So it’s all connected, and it’s no fear that if I were pushed too hard or if I were bumped, anything would happen. None of that. But I’m not really in a position right now to be cleared medically. Because of the nature of what we do is very physical, and taking bumps requires you to have a rock-solid neck. So, we’ll see what the future holds. Mind you, there’s kind of a race against the clock. I’m 38. I’m no spring chicken anymore. So, if I were to be cleared, hopefully it would happen within the next year or so," he said. [H/T: POST Wrestling]
Big E opens up about his current WWE role
Despite not being medically cleared to compete inside the squared circle, Big E has been making appearances on WWE programming during premium live events. The multi-time former Tag Team Champion has been part of the pre and post-show panels.
Later in the same interview, Big E stated he was enjoying his current broadcasting role. He mentioned he would be heading to Berlin for the upcoming PLE. The former Money in the Bank winner added he was focusing on his present role until he received the medical clearance to wrestle again.
"I’m really having a great time on these countdown shows. We’re doing pre-shows and post-shows for all the PLEs. I’m headed to Berlin very soon. But it’s been fun. I’ve really enjoyed this new role, this current role, and if an opportunity in the ring opens up, then we’ll address that. But for right now, my focus is on the broadcasting side of things," he said. [H/T: POST Wrestling]
Check out the entire interview below:
It remains to be seen if and when Big E can make his much-awaited in-ring return.