WWE is bringing back Big E for the premiere festivities surrounding WWE Raw on Netflix, set to debut on January 6. During this week’s episode of Raw, Joe Tessitore announced that he, Wade Barrett, and Big E would host the post-show for the premiere episode. Commentary for the event will feature Michael Cole and Pat McAfee.
Big E, a former WWE Champion, has not wrestled since suffering a neck injury on the March 11, 2022, episode of SmackDown. The injury occurred when he took an overhead belly-to-belly suplex at ringside from Ridge Holland, landing on his neck and fracturing his C1 and C6 vertebrae. Despite his recovery progress, Big E has yet to be medically cleared to return to in-ring action.
Since his injury, WWE has utilized Big E in various non-wrestling roles, including as a scout, host, and behind-the-scenes contributor. Most recently, his status as “not medically cleared” was referenced in a storyline on the December 2 episode of Raw. During the segment, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston dramatically ousted Big E from The New Day, marking the start of their current heel turn.
This new direction for Woods and Kingston has resonated strongly with fans, with The New Day emerging as one of the most over heel acts on the roster. Big E’s involvement in the WWE Raw on Netflix premiere highlights his continued value to WWE, even outside the ring.