Braun Strowman’s WWE journey has taken another bitter turn. Once the face of destruction in WWE, “The Monster Among Men” has been released again—despite returning from a life-altering injury and delivering one of 2023’s most overlooked matches. This wasn’t just a release; it was WWE publicly wasting one of its most unique athletes.
A Monster Returns… and Gets Ignored
Strowman first returned in 2022 after being part of WWE’s pandemic-era layoffs in 2021. Hopes were high. Fans expected a renewed push for one of the company’s most intimidating stars. Instead, what followed was an injury-plagued run that saw him sidelined before he could even build momentum.
His comeback should have been celebrated. Instead, it was fumbled.
Battling Through Spinal Stenosis
Shortly after his return, Strowman experienced terrifying symptoms during a match—his arms went completely numb. It wasn’t just a minor scare. Doctors later diagnosed him with spinal stenosis, a serious condition that nearly ended his career and potentially his mobility.
“It felt like someone poured boiling water down both my arms,” Strowman told Chris Van Vliet in a chilling interview. For two weeks, he questioned whether he would ever live a normal life again.
Stone Cold’s Words of Hope
In a rare show of camaraderie, WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin reached out to Strowman. Austin, who suffered a similar injury in 1997, offered insight and hope. That support fueled Strowman’s recovery and return in December.
Most wrestlers would have stayed on the sidelines. Not Braun. He fought to return to the ring and prove his worth again.
The Feud WWE Should Have Spotlighted
When Braun faced Bronson Reed in early 2024, fans witnessed a showdown worthy of main event status. Two super-heavyweights clashing with surprising speed and power. It was raw. It was intense. And it was a match-of-the-year contender.
But WWE didn’t capitalize on it. No follow-up. No buildup. No payoff.
The company moved on like it never happened.
A Career of Potential Left to Rot
Strowman wasn’t just big—he was athletic. He could sprint, leap, and dropkick like a cruiserweight while standing nearly 7 feet tall. Few in WWE history had that unique blend of explosiveness and physicality. But creative never seemed to know what to do with him.
Yes, WWE provided him medical support during his recovery. But when it came to using him as a top-tier draw again? They failed. Miserably.
His post-recovery feuds—first with Carmelo Hayes, then Jacob Fatu—barely got airtime before the May 2 release wiped them out completely.
WWE’s Ongoing Giant Problem
This isn’t the first time WWE has mishandled a dominant big man—and it likely won’t be the last. But Braun wasn’t just another lumbering powerhouse. He had the look, the speed, and the fan support. WWE had lightning in a bottle, and they let it evaporate.
It begs the question: Does WWE truly know how to handle its most marketable stars anymore?
