It is the end of an era for The New Day. After nearly four years of uncertainty following a broken neck, Big E has officially announced his retirement from in-ring competition. The former WWE Champion broke the news on social media in February 2026 before elaborating on the decision in an interview with The Takedown on Sports Illustrated.
“I Am Really Gambling With My Health”
Big E revealed that while he initially felt fine and expected a standard recovery, the reality of his C1 fracture was much more complex. “My C1 was broken in two places… the doctor almost damn near begged me like, ‘Hey, please… please really reconsider it,’” he shared.
He noted that seeing other legends struggle with mobility at WrestleMania was a “sobering” wake-up call. “So many of them, who aren’t even that old, are struggling with pain… I told myself, as much as I love my career… I am really gambling with my health.” Big E will continue his work with WWE as a host for PLE Kickoff shows and other broadcast projects.