Big E addresses encounter with Ridge Holland during WWE WrestleMania week
Big E has often expressed his sentiments towards Ridge Holland after the neck injury that brought his in-ring career to an early end. Reflecting on the incident and its aftermath, the former WWE Champion recalled meeting Holland earlier this year and shared details of their interaction.
The two met at MGM Grand in Las Vegas during WrestleMania week, Big E disclosed on the Insight Podcast. He continued his message urging fans not to direct hate at Holland, noting that injuries are an unfortunate reality that goes hand-in-hand with pro wrestling, and is aware of it. The former WWE Champion also expressed sympathy for Holland, citing the challenges faced in the past year.
“I actually ran into him briefly at the MGM Grand in Vegas for ‘Mania this year in 2026. He was on the move, and I was on the move, and there were fans around too, so it’s pretty quick. But it was good to see him. It seemed like he was in a better place, but yeah, I know it really altered his career, and I tried to put out a statement or two to tell people there’s no ill will whatsoever, please leave this man alone. But more than anything, he has a family to take care of. He has kids, and to see him, one, he dealt with a devastating injury of his own. He dealt with losing his job.”
“I really felt for him, continue to feel for him, because I tell people I’m in a great place, I’m very thankful. I still am continuing with the company, doing broadcasting work. I am good, I am truly, truly good. But, yeah, I think he was just in a very difficult position, and I really hate that his tenure in WWE, for the most part, a lot of it’s going to be defined by the injury and his role in it. But I really feel for him and for his family, and I truly hope he’s in a better place. I hope that’s all come to an end, because a lot of people crossed the line and went too far.”
Big E has been active on WWE’s broadcasting team for Premium Live Event pre and post shows. Last week, it was announced that his memoir titled “How I Got Over: Healing from Depression and Psychosis to Find Joy In and Out of the Ring” will be released in early 2027.
Meanwhile, in April Holland confirmed he was ready and cleared for an in-ring return after surgery for disc replacement stemming from two herniated discs in the neck.
Rosanne Raphael is a wrestling writer with over three and a half years of experience covering all things related to the industry. From a kindergarten teacher to PR Associate to turning her lifelong passion for the industry into a career, Rosanne is currently writing for F4W Online where she focuses on wrestling news, analysis, and storytelling.
Rosanne previously contributed to Sportskeeda as an Assistant Content Manager.
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