WWE’s Big E provides update on broken neck, won’t need surgery
Big E has provided a positive update after suffering a broken neck during a terrifying moment on Friday’s SmackDown.
In a video update on Saturday morning, Big E stated that he won’t need surgery for his broken neck. Big E said his C1 vertebrae and C6 vertebrae are fractured but aren’t displaced, and he doesn’t have any damage to his spinal cord or ligament damage.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) March 12, 2022
“So, I got some really good news, all things considered. The C1 and C6 are indeed fractured, not a displacement though, which is a very good thing. And I don’t have any damage to my spinal cord. No ligament damage. And no surgery, which I’m very thankful for,” Big E said.
“And, pro-tip, if you’re going to break your neck, do it in Birmingham. They’ve been great. Everyone here at UAB [University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital] has been great. But, for real, it’s meant a ton to me that so many of you have been so kind and reached out, stopped in to see me, texted me. I feel like I sound like a broken record, but I am very grateful. And I’m gonna be all right. It’s a blessing.”
The injury happened during a tag team match where Big E & Kofi Kingston were facing Sheamus & Ridge Holland on Friday’s SmackDown. When taking an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the floor from Holland, Big E landed on his head. He was tended to by medical personnel and then stretchered out after the match.
Xavier Woods tweeted after visiting Big E in the hospital on Friday night: “Went to see E and he’s in good spirits. Hell of a guy and beyond proud to call him my brother.”
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.