CV Shaft - 1, Me - 0: Tail of Woe regarding CV Shaft Removal

Gents, tried to pull out my drivers side CV shaft last night to replace the needle bearing with the ACGS bushing. I was met with disappointment, as the CV shaft did NOT want to come out of the differential. No amount of prying, wiggling, lightly tapping, etc could get that sucker out. I'm wondering if my OME lift somehow managed to seize the snap ring onto the end of CV shaft in the groove? Dunno, at this point, I'm at a loss.

I've seen previous threads where some people have this "special" case, but has anyone run into this issue on a 3G while installing a ECGS bushing after a light lift (2 inch)? Strikes me as odd.

Thanks in advance.