Adam Pearce has technically wrestled two matches in 2021, but his full-time in-ring career wrapped up in 2014.
Pearce occupies the role of a top WWE official on television, but as a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion and only 42 years old, he's still a legitimate option as an in-ring competitor.
Speaking on the Pro Wrestling Illustrated podcast, Pearce said that he has no desire to return to the ring despite the teases and short matches on television.
"When it was first broached, I was like, 'What?' I haven't been shy about the fact, in a personal sense, I have zero interest in being a full-time wrestler ever again in my life. Zero. Less than zero. Everything that is happening and has happened, has been 'icing on the cake' in a very real and literal sense. I'm having the time of my life doing this right now. I don't have to do it to make a living anymore and it's really gratifying to be in there with the very best in our profession. This is the cream of the crop and I get to apply my trade and match wits with these guys. I never thought that was going to happen. Whatever ends up happening is perfect and coming around full circle," he said.
Pearce technically won a gauntlet match to earn a WWE Universal Title shot on the January 8 episode of WWE SmackDown. He also teamed with Braun Strowman in a loss to The Hurt Business on the March 1 episode of WWE Raw.
On the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, Pearce used his authority to book a triple threat match for the Universal Title at WrestleMania 37.
If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.
