Big E Announces Retirement from Wrestling

Former New Day member reflects on physical toll and thanks fans for support

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Former WWE star Big E has announced his retirement from professional wrestling. The 39-year-old, whose real name is Ettore Ewen, revealed in a recent interview that he is 'retired' from the sport due to the physical toll it has taken on his body over the years. Big E, who was a member of the popular New Day faction, has been out of action since 2022 when he suffered a broken neck during a match on SmackDown.

Why it matters

Big E's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the most popular and successful tag teams of the 2010s. His announcement also highlights the physical sacrifices and long-term health risks that professional wrestlers often face in their careers.

The details

In a statement posted on social media, Big E reflected on his injury history, which included a torn left ACL, torn right ACL, torn left pec, and a broken right patella, all before he even entered the wrestling industry at age 23. Despite the toll on his body, Big E said he feels 'great' and is 'able to function normally and healthfully.' He expressed gratitude for his wrestling career and wished the best for his fellow performers who may not have been as fortunate.

  • Big E first entered the wrestling industry in 2009 after a career in football came to an end due to injury.
  • He joined the WWE main roster in late 2012 and found great success as part of the New Day faction from 2015 to 2020.
  • Big E suffered a broken neck during a match on SmackDown in 2022, leading to his current retirement from in-ring competition.

The players

Ettore 'Big E' Ewen

A former WWE star who was best known as a member of the popular New Day faction. He announced his retirement from professional wrestling at the age of 39 due to the physical toll the sport has taken on his body over the years.

Kofi Kingston

Big E's longtime tag team partner and fellow member of the New Day, with whom he won eight tag team titles between 2015 and 2020.

Xavier Woods

The third member of the New Day faction, who along with Big E and Kofi Kingston, formed one of the most prominent and successful tag teams of the 2010s in WWE.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ettore 'Big E' Ewen (Twitter)

What’s next

Big E has continued to work with WWE following his in-ring retirement, appearing in on-screen hosting positions and helping the company in other behind-the-scenes roles.

The takeaway

Big E's retirement highlights the physical toll that professional wrestling can take on an athlete's body, even for those who achieve great success in the industry. His gracious statement and continued involvement with WWE demonstrate his appreciation for the sport and his fans, as well as his commitment to supporting fellow performers who may not have been as fortunate in their careers.