Big E Shuts Down Return Rumors Amid Randy Orton WrestleMania Speculation

With Kevin Owens out of action due to neck surgery, Randy Orton suddenly finds himself without a WrestleMania 41 opponent—and fans are scrambling to guess who could step in. But don’t count on Big E making a surprise return, despite some playful speculation during a recent Fanatics Live signing.

While chatting with Tyler Breeze, Big E addressed the growing whispers that he might be cleared for an in-ring comeback—especially with a big slot like Orton’s now wide open.

“Look, I’m not cleared,” Big E stated plainly when the idea was floated. But Breeze wasn’t ready to let it go just yet.

“That’s not what I heard,” Breeze replied with a smirk. Big E shot back, “You don’t know,” keeping it vague before Breeze joked that Big E himself may have been the one spreading the rumor. “Did you hear that from me?” E asked, deflecting the comeback talk with a laugh.

Big E has been sidelined since March 2022, when he suffered a broken neck after a suplex gone wrong on SmackDown. He’s since remained active with WWE in other roles, including on-panel work and media appearances, but hasn’t stepped foot in the ring.

His most recent on-screen WWE appearance came on the December 2 episode of Raw, where New Day ousted him from the group in an emotional segment. Since then, fans have continued to wonder if—or when—Big E will ever be back in action.

As for WrestleMania 41, the clock is ticking. With Orton still unbooked, WWE could pull a last-minute swerve. But don’t expect Big E to be the one answering the call… at least not yet.

Do you think Big E is trolling us with a surprise return? Or is he really not ready for in-ring action? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let us know who YOU want to see face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41.