WWE’s Big E narrowly avoided stroke, paralysis or death with neck injury
Former WWE Champion Big E said he is grateful to be alive following what he described as a sobering conversation with a doctor.
The 36-year-old revealed Tuesday via social media that he was told the fracture he suffered to his C1 vertebrae could have been catastrophic.
“Had my first doctor’s appointment and learning (because of the C1 fracture) I narrowly escaped a stroke, paralysis or death is very sobering. Life feels even more precious and valuable now,” he tweeted.
Big E suffered fractures to his C1 and C6 vertebrae after taking an overhead belly-to-belly suplex from Ridge Holland on the March 11 edition of WWE SmackDown. The injury does not require surgery.
Had my first doctor’s appointment and learning (because of the C1 fracture) I narrowly escaped a stroke, paralysis or death is very sobering. Life feels even more precious and valuable now.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) March 22, 2022
The day after suffering the injury, he released a video updating fans on his condition.
“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,” he said at the time.
I used to endure difficult things in my life and I felt very alone. But I feel so immeasurably loved and supported. I was not prepared for the sheer volume of DMs, calls, texts, visits, etc. I’ll never be able to adequately thank you all.
— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) March 16, 2022