Massive E’s skilled wrestling future is firmly in his outsized fingers. 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 answerable for that,” Massive E informed CBS Sports activities whereas selling WrestleMania XL’s partnership with Snickers. “Clearly, I am listening to the medical doctors. They know greater than I do so far as my well being and prognosis. It is a kind of issues the place my means to stay my life day-to-day and to be within the fitness center will not be compromised in any respect. However, clearly, getting within the ring and taking bumps, getting thrown on my again and my neck is a bit of bit completely different.”
Massive E broke his C1 vertebrae in two locations when he didn’t absolutely rotate over Ridge Holland amid a suplex exterior 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 damage has inspired endurance.
“I have been doing bodily issues my whole life, and I by no means wished to go away sports activities hobbled and crippled,” Massive E mentioned. “Now, at 38, these are issues of mine. I wish to make it possible for I am making the most effective choice 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 medical doctors, taking in sufficient data, taking a look at my more moderen set of scans and deciding if the gamble is value it.”
Massive E acquired an outpouring of assist from followers and colleagues after being stretchered off SmackDown. A few of skilled wrestling’s greatest stars reached checked in, amongst them “Stone Chilly” Steve Austin and AEW star Adam Copeland (previously often known as Edge in WWE), who’ve their very own historical past of neck accidents.
“Sadly, neck accidents are a bit of bit too widespread in our trade,” Massive E mentioned. “I’ve talked to a couple completely different guys. The factor, too, is all of our situations are a bit of bit completely 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 achieve out and share what they went by way of after 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 group champion has taken a swing at broadcast work. WWE invited Massive 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 will even be on the panel for the Countdown to WrestleMania XL reveals on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Massive 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.
Massive E acquired 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 often.
“I did not know what to make of it, and I did not know the way issues would unfold, however it ended up being actually enjoyable and the power was nice. It was one thing I actually loved, and I obtained to be immersed as a fan,” Massive E mentioned. “For me to simply be capable of discuss 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. However it’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 evening. 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. Massive E’s longtime tag group companions The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) will problem for the undisputed tag group titles in a six-pack ladder match.
Try the complete interview with Massive E under.
