While the wrestling world has seen a lot of magnificent wins and heartbreaking losses, it has also seen some of its best wrestlers of all time getting brutally injured during the fights. And yes, even though it is scripted beforehand, the fighters do, indeed, get hurt during the process nonetheless. Like the renowned professional wrestler and former WWE Champion, Ettore “Big E” Ewen.
In fact, sometimes fighters’ injuries get so severe that they end up hindering their fights, just like the crippling injury Ewen suffered in his neck two years ago back in 2022. And while the widely loved star from the wrestling world hasn’t returned to the ring since then, there may be further bad news awaiting fans as per the most recent updates he provided on his health and recovery.
Former WWE Champ Big E Not Returning to the Ring?
For those who do it, wrestling is a sport full of adrenaline and bone-busting, which usually results in utter satisfaction for the fighters. This is why hearing the news that a wrestler — and one as remarkable as Big E, at that — might never fight again, sounds like nothing short of a nightmare.
Well, for Ettore Ewen, it seems to be almost coming true, as per the star’s health updates.
Recently, Ewen took to his X-handle @WWEBigE to share that his “two-year neck scans” are in, and things are, unfortunately, not looking all too fine for him. He wrote:
“Hey, all! Two year neck scans are in. Things are unchanged. My C1 has healed fibrously but has not formed new bone. I’m not medically cleared and truthfully, I may never be cleared.”
Hey, all!
Two year neck scans are in. Things are unchanged. My C1 has healed fibrously but has not formed new bone. I’m not medically cleared and truthfully, I may never be cleared. But I am blessed to be free of pain, immensely happy and otherwise healthy. Life is good.— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) April 13, 2024
But what’s more is that even while sharing such heartbreaking news which may even hint that fans might never be able to see him in the ring again, the former WWE Champ was quick to appreciate the better side of this situation too, as he wrote:
“But I am blessed to be free of pain, immensely happy and otherwise healthy. Life is good.”
For those unversed, Ewen broke his C1 vertebrae in his neck in two places during his SmackDown match with Ridge Holland in March 2022. This happened because he couldn’t completely rotate while his opponent landed a suplex on him outside the ring, leading to him landing on his head.
About 2 weeks ago, the 38-year-old big guy also got into an interview with CBS where he shared that doctors advised him never to wrestle again while giving him the freedom to choose for himself. His honest response?
“Obviously, I’m listening to the doctors,” he said.
Continuing, he even added why this decision of his is necessary, saying:
“I want to make sure that I’m making the best decision for myself and for my health moving forward. It’s just one of those things I want to be smart about. It’s just a matter of listening to the doctors, taking in enough information, looking at my more recent set of scans, and deciding if the gamble is worth it.”
Thus, ever since 2022, fans have been unable to see Ewen in the ring. And so far, with all of these updates, it seems they just may never be able to see him again either, if this series of unfortunate events continues to take turns for the worse.
Despite this, fans continue to shower their very own favorite Big E with their unwavering support.
Fans are Still Grateful for Big E’s Tiny Victories
While this news has broken apart a lot of his fans, they still continue to commend Big E on his tiny victories like being “free of pain, immensely happy and otherwise healthy.” Although his return to the ring is a question yet to be honestly answered, fans are going in full support mode for him nonetheless.
Taking to their own respective X handles, here’s how they’re showing their support for him and sharing just how grateful they are for him:
Whatever happens THANK YOU E!!! 👏👏👏!! pic.twitter.com/ua4HABMieG
— Ghostmalone90 (@Pankow90) April 13, 2024
Last sentence is so important. You being pain free, healthy and happy is more important than anything. ❤️
— CornellG (@CornellGunter_) April 13, 2024
At the end of the day, happiness and health are most crucial. I'm glad you have those things.
Thank you for every single contribution you have made to this business in and out of the ring. We love and appreciate you always. 💙
— Alyssa 🩵 (@butwhyalyssa) April 13, 2024
The fact that you're walking and you're happy is all that matters and all we care about, thank you for everything. We'll always have this moment. 💙 pic.twitter.com/4bvBYHVXmC
— Terrence ✨️ (@Terrbear2K24) April 13, 2024
What matters most is your health and that you are feeling well!
— Wheezy (@itswheezyblonde) April 13, 2024
Nothing more important than quality of life. Thank you for everything you gave us in ring and outside of it
— RipZz (@SixZzshOtRipZz) April 13, 2024
Glad life is good brother, we miss you in the ring but good health and happy living is the most important thing ❤️
— Rascal Thunderous (@RascalThunder) April 13, 2024
I am so glad you are free of pain and happy.
We will never stop supporting you, you bring the best energy ❤️
— Knockout News (@KnockoutNews10) April 13, 2024
Pain free? That is amazing. Wrestling again might be the final goal, but this is the most important one. Congrats dude.
— AEWDefender (@AewDefender) April 13, 2024
With all of this being said, it would truly turn out to be a great loss to the wrestling world if Ettore Ewen’s crippling injury prevents him from returning to the ring. Regardless, health always comes first, and we are glad E has decided to put that very thing first.
