4 Current WWE Stars Who May Never Wrestle Again Due to Injury

In professional wrestling, injuries are an unavoidable reality. While many WWE Superstars fight their way back to the ring, some injuries are simply too severe — forcing careers to slow down, change direction, or quietly come to an end.

Here are four current WWE stars whose in-ring futures remain deeply uncertain, with injuries that may ultimately prevent them from ever wrestling again.

1. Big E — A Career Hanging in the Balance

Few injuries have shaken WWE fans as deeply as Big E’s neck injury in 2022. The former WWE Champion suffered fractures to his C1 and C6 vertebrae after a frightening belly-to-belly suplex gone wrong.

Although Big E has made remarkable progress in his recovery and has remained visible on WWE programming, the reality is harsh:neck injuries of this magnitude are career-ending more often than not.

Doctors have not cleared him for in-ring action, and Big E himself has repeatedly stressed that quality of life comes first. Even if he desperately wants to return, medical clearance may never come.

Status: Active WWE personality, in-ring return highly doubtfulLikelihood of Wrestling Again: Very low

2. Randy Orton — A Legend Running Out of Time

Randy Orton has battled through injuries for most of his legendary career, but his recent spinal fusion surgery represents a far more serious turning point.

Back issues are notoriously unforgiving, especially for a wrestler whose style relies heavily on impact, sudden movement, and physical explosiveness. While Orton has publicly stated his desire to return, spinal fusion dramatically limits mobility and increases long-term risk.

Even if Orton does step into the ring again, it may be for very limited appearances — not a full-time or even part-time run.

Status: Injured, hopeful but uncertainLikelihood of Wrestling Again: Possible, but limited and risky

3. Robert Roode — Quietly Fading From the Ring

Unlike high-profile injuries, Robert Roode’s neck issues have flown largely under the radar. However, they’ve kept him sidelined for an extended period and quietly changed his WWE role.

Roode has transitioned into a behind-the-scenes producer position, a move that often signals WWE’s internal recognition that an in-ring return may not be realistic.

Neck injuries combined with age and time away from competition make a comeback increasingly unlikely — especially when WWE already has a valuable alternative role for him backstage.

Status: WWE producer, inactive competitorLikelihood of Wrestling Again: Extremely unlikely

4. Carmella — A Career Put on Pause by Complications

Carmella’s situation is unique and deeply personal. Following pregnancy, she developed drop foot, a condition that affects nerve control and severely limits mobility.

Despite her determination and openness about the condition, nerve damage recovery is unpredictable. High-impact athletics — especially professional wrestling — place immense strain on the body, and drop foot presents a major obstacle to safe in-ring performance.

Carmella has not been medically cleared, and there is no timetable for a return. Even if improvement continues, WWE may choose caution over risk.

Status: On hiatus, focused on recoveryLikelihood of Wrestling Again: Unclear, but far from guaranteed

Final Thoughts: When Health Comes First

Professional wrestling celebrates resilience, but it also carries real consequences. For these four WWE stars, the conversation is no longer just about storylines or comebacks — it’s about long-term health and life beyond the ring.

While fans may always hope for surprise returns, history shows that the most responsible decision is often stepping away before permanent damage occurs.

If any of these stars never wrestle again, their legacies remain secure — built not only on championships and moments, but on the courage to choose health over spectacle.