Former WWE champion Big E has publicly defended his former colleague Ridge Holland against the intense online harassment that followed their 2022 in-ring accident. During a recent appearance on the INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet podcast, Big E clarified that he holds no ill will toward Holland, emphasizing that the career-ending neck injury was an unintentional accident inherent to professional wrestling.
The 2022 Injury and Its Aftermath
On March 11, 2022, during a live episode of WWE SmackDown, Big E sustained a fractured C1 and C6 vertebra after taking an overhead belly-to-belly suplex from Ridge Holland. The injury forced Big E into an indefinite retirement from professional wrestling. In the immediate aftermath, Holland faced significant vitriol from fans on social media, with many blaming him for the incident and directing threats toward him.
Big E addressed this backlash directly, stating that he and Holland spoke shortly after the event. According to Big E, Holland reached out to apologize, even sending a 10-pound box of meat as a gesture of remorse. Big E noted that while he appreciated the fans’ support for his own career, the level of hostility directed at Holland was disproportionate and crossed the line.
Why Big E Advocates for Forgiveness
Big E highlighted that professional wrestlers understand the inherent risks of the industry. He explained that he never viewed the incident as a malicious act.
"I know what I signed up for. I know things go awry. It was never malicious. It was never intentional," Big E stated during the interview. He further noted that he attempted to publicly clear the air at the time to discourage fans from harassing his colleague.
Beyond the professional aspect, Big E expressed empathy for Holland’s personal situation, noting that Holland is a parent and had to navigate the professional fallout of the incident while dealing with his own injuries sustained during his time in the ring. Big E, who remains under contract with WWE as a broadcaster, reiterated that he is in a positive place regarding his own health and career, and he hopes the public scrutiny of Holland has finally subsided.
Ridge Holland’s Career Trajectory
The incident significantly impacted the trajectory of Ridge Holland’s career within WWE. Following the injury, Holland struggled to shed the negative narrative created by the accident, which frequently overshadowed his in-ring work.
In September 2024, WWE confirmed the release of Ridge Holland, alongside several other performers. Prior to his departure, Holland had spoken openly about the mental health struggles he faced following the 2022 incident, describing the fan backlash as a "dark period" that affected his confidence and performance.
Key Facts Regarding the Incident
- The Incident Date: The injury occurred on March 11, 2022, during WWE SmackDown.
- The Injury: Big E suffered fractures to his C1 and C6 vertebrae.
- The Response: Big E has repeatedly stated there is "no ill will" toward Holland.
- Current Status: Big E continues to work with WWE in a broadcasting capacity; Ridge Holland was released from his WWE contract in September 2024.
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