WWE: 4 Possible reasons why Braun Strowman announced his in-ring retirement

Former WWE star Braun Strowman recently announced his in-ring retirement. The Monster Among Men had a few stints with WWE, and his latest run ended last year.

Injuries plagued the big man throughout his career. Being over 340 pounds put a strain on his knees and legs. He also had issues with his back.

Despite his tenure with WWE ending in 2025, Strowman appeared on the USA Network’s show Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman. It airs Friday nights after SmackDown.

While injuries played a part in his retirement, Strowman will certainly be remembered for several things. He won many titles, including tag team gold, the Intercontinental Championship, and the Universal Championship.

Strowman also displayed his Strongman background by lifting vehicles and other heavy obstacles. He had memorable feuds with Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, pro boxer Tyson Fury, and the late Bray Wyatt.

While fans would love to see Braun Strowman in a WWE ring one more time, he’s hanging up his boots. Strowman’s in-ring career is potentially over for any of the following four reasons.

#4. Some stars will only wrestle for WWE

When a star comes up through the WWE Performance Center instead of the independent wrestling scene, they may feel that going to a smaller promotion is beneath them.

This isn’t a knock on smaller promotions. When someone’s had a taste of working for the biggest wrestling company in the world, it’s hard to get the same benefits from a different company.

Braun Strowman started his wrestling career in WWE and became a huge star in the company. He won several titles and wrestled in front of thousands of people each week on television.

WWE has the greatest exposure of any wrestling company, so moving to a smaller one would limit that exposure. Braun Strowman made his name in Vince McMahon and Triple H’s promotion. If he thought about wrestling again, it would only make sense to do so in WWE. That’s not his plan, so he opted for his in-ring retirement.

#3. Doesn’t have the passion to wrestle

Many athletes say they want to retire from their profession on their terms, and that’s sometimes the case. Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady felt like he could play into his mid-40s, and he did so.

He won a Super Bowl at age 43. His body allowed him to compete at a high level, so he retired when he wanted to. Others hang up their boots earlier than expected because they don’t have the desire to compete.

Barry Sanders was one of the greatest running backs of all time but retired after only 10 seasons in the NFL. AJ Styles could have kept wrestling at a high level despite being 46.

Styles wanted to retire on his terms, and he did so after losing to Gunther earlier this year. Braun Strowman may enjoy the craft, but he doesn’t have the itch to get into the ring in 2026.

#2. He’s busy with other projects

When a WWE star reaches a certain level of fame, they’re often approached for outside projects. Cody Rhodes appeared in episodes of Arrow. He plays Guile in the upcoming Street Fighter Film.

CM Punk has acted in a few shows and lesser-known movies. The Rock famously left WWE for Hollywood. Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper appeared in several movies while still in their primes.

Braun Strowman is a physical specimen, so he could make the transition to acting in films and TV shows. His current project is the show Everything on the Menu with Braun Strowman.

The big man travels to different American cities to taste the region’s local cuisine. The USA Network renewed his show for a second season, so Strowman can focus on that project instead of wrestling several times a week.

#1. Braun Strowman endured several injuries during his career

Wrestling is an extremely physical sport. Injuries are part of the game, just like any other professional sport. With the amount of high-flying spots and physical encounters, some stars are injured numerous times during their careers.

Seth Rollins had a few knee injuries that derailed runs as champion. Cody Rhodes had a torn pectoral muscle. Kevin Owens recently returned to the ring after missing over 17 months due to a neck injury.

Braun Strowman was known for his monster-like feats of strength and physical in-ring game. He overpowered opponents and tossed them around the ring.

His unique size and style led to numerous injuries over the years. He missed time due to injuries to his knees, elbow, and neck. Those ailments can pile up over time, especially as one gets older.

Since Strowman wasn’t active in WWE, it didn’t make sense to get back into the ring and risk another potential injury. There have been advancements in medicine, but Braun Strowman felt that retiring from the ring was the best thing for his body.