Big E reveals why he is not looking to take on a full-time commentary position within WWE.
Appearing on The A2theK Wrestling Show to discuss his memoir and post-injury career path, Big E reflected on the transition away from in-ring competition after a serious neck injury effectively ended his active wrestling career.
Big E explained that although commentary has been brought up to him multiple times, his current life priorities and appreciation for time away from constant travel have influenced his decision.
“Yeah. So, I’m grateful to Michael Cole multiple times. He kind of stopped me and asked me about doing commentary. I’ve had other people ask me about doing commentary. So that has definitely come up. I will say I am grateful for that belief. I truly appreciate it,” Big E said.
However, he emphasized that the demanding travel schedule associated with weekly WWE television is a major factor in his decision.
“I just know where I’m at in life as someone who did the road grind. I did it. I’m grateful for it. Frankly, I just don’t want to be on the road like that every single week. It’s a lot, man. It’s a lot of time.”
Big E on WWE’s travel schedule
Big E noted the impact that WWE’s schedule can have on personal life, especially for those working weekly television events like RAW and SmackDown.
“If you’re doing SmackDown, you’re leaving on Thursdays and coming home on Saturdays. If it’s international, you might not come home till very late Saturday. That’s a part of your weekend gone. Same thing with RAW. You’re traveling on Sundays.”
He added that stepping away from that lifestyle has given him a new perspective on life outside of wrestling, especially after years on the road before his career-ending injury.
“I love my lazy weekends. I’m still working, I’m still doing a lot of other things, juggling other projects, but my lazy weekends with my lady, Kristen, that time together. I realize there’s life outside of wrestling and it’s kind of nice. It’s nice to be able to do stuff with friends or go on vacation. I want to live.”
Big E praises long-time WWE commentators
Big E also expressed admiration for long-time WWE commentators and the demands of their profession, while noting that he is grateful for the opportunities he still has in a reduced role, including hosting projects such as RAW Classics.
“I tip my cap to Cole and to so many of these commentators that have been doing this for decades. I am so blown away by that sacrifice. I am so grateful. The nice thing with my current schedule with being a broadcaster for the PLEs is I’m still involved.
“I got to host a Netflix show called RAW Classics, just kind of breaking down some of the old school and newer stuff and just kind of getting to walk some newer fans through a lot of the history of WWE and maybe some current fans as well. So if it’s more of those kind of shiny floor hosting things, I’m all in.”
READ MORE: WWE Auctioning ‘Match-Used’ Chair Despite Never Being Used in a Match
If you use any of these quotes, please credit the source with a link back to this article for the transcription.
