When it comes to places where WWE fans expect to see wrestlers return after long injury absences, the Royal Rumble is undoubtedly top of the list. But from both a timing and logistical standpoint, the WWE Draft is right up there as well.
That’s especially true for the 2023 WWE Draft, which starts this week on SmackDown and continues next Monday on Raw. Back in its more traditional post-WrestleMania spring spot after the last three editions were held in the fall, it’s perfect for reintroducing some familiar faces who haven’t been on TV in some time.
According to WRKD Wrestling, that might include Big E.
One name rumored to return during the upcoming draft is former WWE champion, Big E.
Big E has been sidelined with a major neck injury since March ‘22. pic.twitter.com/DxLxjKqyKe
— WRKD Wrestling (@WRKDWrestling) April 26, 2023
The former WWE Champion has been out of action since suffering a broken bone in his neck on the March 11, 2022 episode of SmackDown. He gave an update earlier this month on his progress, noting that his neck scans were good but he still needed to speak to the doctors about the next steps.
It’s of course possible that he’s already had those conversations and simply didn’t want to tip off his return, or he could be drafted in anticipation of a comeback later this year. Either way, seeing the popular New Day member announced would be a highlight of this year’s draft.
And while WWE appears to be keeping a lid on expectations for the return of injured stars during the draft — the graphic that people have been using as a de facto draft list doesn’t have the most notable injured wrestlers on it — the selection of Big E would presumably open the door for others to follow. Two that come to mind immediately are Randy Orton, who hasn’t wrestled in nearly a year due to back issues, and Bray Wyatt, who’s been off WWE TV since February and is said to be battling an illness of some sort.
It’s also possible that none of these wrestlers will return to the fold, which would be a shame since the WWE Draft is the perfect vehicle for reintroductions that give fans certainty about where to see stars they haven’t seen for some time. By this time next week, we’ll know which way WWE was leaning.