Despite a recent setback that will keep him out of the ring for at least a full year, doctors have said that Big E will make a complete recovery from his broken neck.
Big E said that the C1 vertebra he fractured is not ossifying, or forming bone, as he had said in a previous statement. Doctors don't know how long he will be out of the ring until he gets checked one year after the injury, but he told ESPN on Wednesday that his neck will be evaluated at six and nine months.
Big E fractured two neck bones during a wrestling match with Ridge Holland. It was obvious that something had gone wrong when Big E landed on top of his head.
Doctors told Big E that his fall could have led to stroke, paralysis or death.
The 36-year-old said it was very sobering. If you're good at something like pro wrestling, or at least competent, you don't have to worry about breaking your neck or dying from an injury. It's important to be free and in the moment. Performers don't spend a lot of time thinking about those things. I didn't think I'd be that way.
Big E didn't have any damage to his spine and didn't suffer any displacement. He doesn't need surgery anymore, he said.
Big E said he is using a bone stimulator machine, getting stem-cell treatment and taking calcium supplements. He is living a normal life while he waits to find out how long he will be able to wrestle again.
Big E will be working with World Wrestling Entertainment later this month at a talent tryout for college athletes. Big E, who played college football at Iowa, will join the likes of Triple H and James Kimball in evaluating potential future wrestlers.
More than 50 athletes from sports such as football, basketball, track and field, wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, cheer and dance will be at the site of SummerSlam. Athletes at the tryout went to the minicamps. More than 20 athletes were signed to developmental contracts by World Wrestling Entertainment during a tryout in April.
When he was a college football player, Big E wished that World Wrestling Entertainment had done something like this, as he was looking for a path after school.
Big E wishes there was an exit program for college athletes because they spend so much of their time on campus studying for their sport or practicing for their sport. It is a distinct drop-off when it is gone. It is difficult to prepare for that. It was difficult for me to think about that as well.
Big E said that he has not been hard on himself mentally since coming back from the injury. He said he has been meditating and working out and is trying to be leaner. The athlete said he is not as strong as he used to be, but he is showing off his muscles.
Big E said that it hasn't been a dark time. I'm thankful for the people who contacted me and the ones who didn't. I don't say I'm perfect. I don't think every day is the best ever for me. I have not struggled with that type of thing.
Steve Austin and Kevin Nash are pro wrestling legends. Big E said that Holland's move caused the injury and there are no bad feelings. Big E said that Holland sent him a big package of red meat, which he doesn't eat, as a way to apologize. He and his family had many nights of great feasts after Big E gave them the meat.
Big E said he had no issues with Ridge. He reached out and gave some kind words. There are dangers to what we do. It was unfortunate that it went down that way because we all know what we're getting into. I am alive and well. I'm not dead. I'm doing good.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
