Huge E’s skilled wrestling future is firmly in his outsized arms. The previous WWE champion has not wrestled since breaking his neck in a match on WWE’s “SmackDown” in March 2022. Medical doctors as soon as suggested he by no means wrestle once more, however the selection is now with him.
“The good factor is that they put me accountable for that,” Huge E advised CBS Sports activities whereas selling WrestleMania XL’s partnership with Snickers. “Clearly, I am listening to the docs. They know greater than I do so far as my well being and prognosis. It is a kind of issues the place my capability to reside my life day-to-day and to be within the gymnasium isn’t compromised in any respect. However, clearly, getting within the ring and taking bumps, getting thrown on my again and my neck is somewhat bit totally different.”
Huge E broke his C1 vertebrae in two locations when he didn’t totally rotate over Ridge Holland amid a suplex outdoors the ring, touchdown on his head. There was a time when he as soon as felt he had a dying want when it got here to wrestling, however the severity of his neck harm has inspired persistence.
“I have been doing bodily issues my whole life, and I by no means wished to depart sports activities hobbled and crippled,” Huge E mentioned. “Now, at 38, these are issues of mine. I wish to guarantee that I am making one of the best determination for myself and for my well being shifting ahead. It is simply a kind of issues I wish to be sensible about.
“It is only a matter of listening to the docs, taking in sufficient data, taking a look at my newer set of scans and deciding if the gamble is value it.”
Huge E obtained an outpouring of assist from followers and colleagues after being stretchered off SmackDown. A few of skilled wrestling’s largest stars reached checked in, amongst them “Stone Chilly” Steve Austin and AEW star Adam Copeland (previously referred to as Edge in WWE), who’ve their very own historical past of neck accidents.
“Sadly, neck accidents are somewhat bit too widespread in our trade,” Huge E mentioned. “I’ve talked to some totally different guys. The factor, too, is all of our situations are somewhat bit totally different. Some guys have points with stenosis. Some guys want fusions. I did not have neck surgical procedure. I used to be simply in a tough collar for 3 months.
“I have been so grateful for therefore lots of the guys I grew up loving and watching as a child, so many legends who wished to succeed in out and share what they went by means of once they had their neck accidents. I am so grateful to all of them for following me to ask questions and their providing recommendation has been useful, too.”
Within the meantime, the one-time WWE champion and eight-time tag staff champion has taken a swing at broadcast work. WWE invited Huge E to a WrestleMania XL Kickoff press convention panel in February the place he joined commentators Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, plus fellow former WWE champion CM Punk. He can even be on the panel for the Countdown to WrestleMania XL reveals on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Huge E confirmed that conversations have taken place with the corporate about future alternatives.
“It wasn’t till I boarded the flight to Vegas that I even knew I used to be doing the panel. That is the character of issues in WWE. It is oftentimes, ‘Hey, present up’ and also you get issues thrown at you,” he mentioned.
Huge E obtained reward for his efficiency subsequent to a few of WWE’s most dependable talkers. It is one thing the hulking athlete can see himself doing extra frequently.
“I did not know what to make of it, and I did not understand how issues would unfold, nevertheless it ended up being actually enjoyable and the vitality was nice. It was one thing I actually loved, and I acquired to be immersed as a fan,” Huge E mentioned. “For me to simply be capable of speak freely has been wonderful. I’ve by no means had the profession that Punk has had. I haven’t got the celebrity that Pat has. I haven’t got the longevity that Michael Cole has. But it surely’s been actually nice that so many followers have been receptive. ”
WWE WrestleMania XL takes place at Lincoln Monetary Discipline on April 6-7 with Snickers and WWE 2K24 serving as presenting companions. The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins headlines Saturday night time. Reigns vs. Rhodes for the undisputed WWE common championship might be prime billing on Sunday alongside Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre for the world heavyweight championship. Huge E’s longtime tag staff companions The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) will problem for the undisputed tag staff titles in a six-pack ladder match.
Try the complete interview with Huge E under.