Former WWE Champion, Big Ten defensive lineman suffers broken neck on WWE SmackDown

Big E is one of the top stars in the world of professional wrestling at the moment. However, he won’t grace the ring for the foreseeable future. On Friday’s edition of WWE SmackDown, Big E suffered a shocking neck injury due to a botched suplex.

An UGLY landing for Big E at ringside. Looks like he landed on his head and he was not seen again on-screen after this. #SmackDown #WWE
pic.twitter.com/VizfehW7ug

— WrestlingInc.com (@WrestlingIncCom) March 12, 2022

Big E — also known by his real name, Ettore Ewen — is as tough as they come. The former WWE Champion has a background in college football, as he’s a former defensive lineman for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Still, the scary landing is something that would cause injury to any competitor.

As you can see, the former WWE champion landed on the top of his head on the receiving end of a belly-to-belly suplex from wrestler Ridge Holland. Immediately, it was obvious that something had gone wrong with the move.

After the scary scene, prayers went up as Big E was removed from Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, on a stretcher. Then, the former Iowa defensive lineman was taken to a local hospital, all behind the scenes.

Luckily, Ewen was in good spirits. Since, he’s taken to Twitter to provide multiple positive updates.

“I can’t thank all of you beautiful people enough for all of your concern and messages,” Ewen said, via Twitter last night. “It’s very heartwarming. I can move all my digits .. strength feels fine. But unfortunately, right now, they tell me my neck is broken. So, there’s that. But, once again, thank you everybody. I’m going to be alright, I’ll be good. Don’t worry. Go to sleep. Don’t worry about old me. But for real, thank you. And I appreciate all of you. For real.”

Since, Big E has received an outpouring of support. The former WWE Champion has the thoughts and prayers of millions behind him.

Ettore ‘Big E’ Ewen: ‘I’m going to be alright.’

Moreover, Big E provided a positive update regarding the injury on Saturday morning.

“So, I got some really good news — all things considered,” started Ewen, via Twitter. “C1 and C6 are indeed fractured. Non-displacement though, which is a very good thing. I don’t have any damages to my spinal chord, no ligament damage and no surgery — which I’m very thankful for.

“Pro tip — if you’re going to break your neck, do it in Birmingham. They’ve been great. Everyone here at UAB has been great. But for real. It’s meant a ton to me that so many of you have been so kind. Reached out, stopped into see me, texted me. I feel like I sound like a broken record, but I am very grateful. I’m going to be alright. It’s a blessing.”

Ettore ‘Big E’ Ewen may have to miss WrestleMania 38 due to his injury, but the star is in good spirits. When the former Iowa Hawkeyes defender heals up, his return to professional wrestling will be a pop for the ages.