44-year-old WWE veteran will never wrestle again - What went wrong?

Becoming a WWE Superstar is not an easy feat, as each of them enters the ring ready to put on a show. They are prepared to make sacrifices, even risking their health, to provide entertainment. However, this level of commitment can sometimes lead to severe injuries that may threaten their careers. Such was the case with a 44-year-old veteran who confirmed that he would never wrestle again.

If someone hears about a 44-year-old WWE veteran, recency bias might make them think it's Randy Orton. During a recent episode of SmackDown, there were concerns when The Apex Predator was stretchered off after he received a banned Piledriver from Kevin Owens. But as it turns out, the veteran is TJ Wilson.

Wilson, also known as Tyson Kidd, was forced to retire from wrestling after a dark match against Samoa Joe in 2015. He suffered a spinal cord injury during the match after being on the receiving end of a Muscle Buster from The Samoan Submission Machine. This resulted in surgery, which led to 16 staples, four screws, and a rod being inserted in his neck. It is for this very reason that he confirmed on the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling podcast that he would never return to in-ring action.

"No, I won't wrestle again. I'll never wrestle again, which is, you know, it might sound a little bit, you know, very matter of fact, but it is for me. It's been my reality for almost six years now," Wilson said. [02:33-02:46]

Wilson was an incredible performer and one who was loved by fans. Unfortunately, the 44-year-old will never wrestle again, but considering he confirmed only five percent of people survive the injury he suffered, perhaps it is for the best.

Regardless, he continues to be connected with the business as a backstage producer in WWE.

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Big E is another WWE star who has been limited to a non-wrestling role

As mentioned earlier, injuries are frequent in the pro wrestling business and, in some cases, can end careers. Much like TJ Wilson, several stars have been forced to give up in-ring action and take other roles. One example is none other than The New Day's Big E.

The former WWE Champion hasn't wrestled a match in more than two years. In March 2022, he suffered a cervical spine fracture after a Belly-to-Belly Suplex from Ridge Holland saw him land on his head. Since then, Big E has served in a non-wrestling capacity, mostly as a host, guest, or panelist at PLEs.

As of this writing, there is no timeline for his return. Doctors have advised the veteran star against donning his wrestling gear ever again.