Bobby Roode’s last WWE match was in June 2022, where he lost a house show match to Omos before taking time off for two neck fusion surgeries. Since then, he has made the transition to being a producer.
During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Roode said that he still has the ability to wrestle if he chooses to. Here are the highlights:
Being medically cleared:
“Ironically enough, I just got green-lighted. The fusion has completely fused. So as far as like, looking at it from a medical point of view, it’s safe to get back in the ring, I guess. But at almost 48 years old, given the opportunity that I’ve been given now to work as a producer, which was my goal coming to WWE almost eight years ago. I’m quite happy doing this. And I feel like I’ve had a good run, as they say, and I’m happy to do what I’m doing now.”
“Could I do this full-time? There’s no way I could. Look, to be honest, the injury I have, three levels are bad. The level six and seven are not good either. So when I got my injury back in 2022, when I re-injured it I got an MRI done the next day. And like, I mean, they said that your three levels are just not good. Two levels are not great. You need to get fixed. So I went to Birmingham and saw Dr. Cordova, who was amazing. And he thought we need to do a two-level. Because the thing was that I wasn’t living in any pain. I didn’t have pain. I could go through the day without feeling any sort of pain, the issue with me was my strength. And then because I was losing strength, I started to lose muscle in my right arm. It just scared me because the first thing I thought it was like Paul Orndorff and his injury and that’s what was happening to me.”
Focusing on being a producer:
“I don’t think I could take the risk of going back in the ring and working a full-time schedule. Just knowing that as well. I just feel like I look differently too, you know what I mean? I always kind of prided myself in the way that I looked on television. And sure, no, I love being in the gym and working out. And it’s just when you physically don’t look the same, it’s just a mental thing as well.”
Bobby Roode, a former professional wrestler in WWE, recently revealed that he has been medically cleared to return to the ring after undergoing two neck fusion surgeries. However, despite being given the green light, Roode has chosen to transition into a producer role instead.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Roode expressed his contentment with his new role as a producer. He stated that becoming a producer was his goal when he joined WWE almost eight years ago. At nearly 48 years old, Roode believes that he has had a successful career in wrestling and is happy with his current position.
Roode also discussed the severity of his neck injury, which ultimately led to his decision to retire from full-time wrestling. He explained that three levels of his neck were in bad condition, with two additional levels not being great either. The injury did not cause him pain initially, but it affected his strength and muscle mass in his right arm. Concerned about the potential long-term consequences, Roode sought medical advice and underwent surgery to address the issue.
Despite being cleared to wrestle again, Roode acknowledged that he could not take the risk of returning to a full-time wrestling schedule. He mentioned that he no longer looks the same physically, which has affected his confidence. Roode has always taken pride in his appearance on television and believes that not looking the same would have a negative impact on his mental state.
Roode’s decision to focus on being a producer showcases his dedication to the wrestling industry. As a producer, he can utilize his experience and knowledge to help shape and guide younger talents. This role allows him to contribute to the success of WWE in a different capacity while also prioritizing his health and well-being.
In conclusion, Bobby Roode’s recent revelation about being medically cleared to wrestle again highlights his commitment to the sport. However, he has chosen to transition into a producer role instead due to the severity of his neck injury and the impact it has had on his physical appearance. Roode’s decision demonstrates his dedication to the wrestling industry while also prioritizing his long-term health and happiness.