Cacilie Mclain

Written by Cacilie Mclain

Modified & Updated: 27 Sep 2024

50-facts-about-big-e-wrestler
Source: Bleacherreport.com

Who is Big E? Big E, born Ettore Ewen on March 1, 1986, in Tampa, Florida, is a powerhouse in the world of professional wrestling and powerlifting. Known for his incredible strength and charismatic personality, Big E has left an indelible mark on WWE. From his early days as a state champion wrestler in high school to becoming a WWE Champion, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a member of The New Day, he brought a unique blend of positivity and entertainment, making the group one of WWE's most beloved tag teams. Despite a career-ending injury, Big E continues to influence WWE as an analyst and ambassador.

Key Takeaways:

  • Big E's journey from high school wrestling to powerlifting and then professional wrestling showcases his exceptional athletic ability and determination, leading to numerous championships and accolades in WWE.
  • Despite a career-ending injury, Big E's legacy in WWE endures through his influence on tag teams, community involvement, and continued impact as an ambassador and analyst, inspiring fans and future wrestlers.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Big E, born Ettore Ewen, has a fascinating journey from his early days in Tampa, Florida, to becoming a WWE superstar. Let's dive into his formative years and background.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Big E was born Ettore Ewen on March 1, 1986, in Tampa, Florida. Growing up in a sports-loving family, he was destined for athletic greatness.

  2. High School Wrestling: At Wharton High School in Tampa, Big E won a state championship in wrestling, showcasing his early prowess on the mat.

  3. College Education: He attended the University of Iowa, where he played football as a defensive lineman, balancing academics and athletics.

  4. College Football Career: As a defensive lineman for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, Big E played football from 2004 to 2006, missing the 2005 season due to injury.

  5. High School Football: Before college, Big E played football in high school, where he was known for his strength and agility.

Transition to Powerlifting

Before stepping into the wrestling ring, Big E made a name for himself in the world of powerlifting. His strength and determination were evident from the start.

  1. Powerlifting Career: Before becoming a wrestler, Big E was a successful powerlifter. He won the USAPL US Open Powerlifting Championship in 2010 and the USAPL RAW National Powerlifting Championship in 2011.

  2. Powerlifting Achievements: Big E set multiple national and state records in powerlifting, including a 711-pound squat, 529-pound bench press, and 799-pound deadlift.

  3. Athletic Achievements: His achievements in football and powerlifting demonstrate his exceptional athletic ability, which has been a significant factor in his success as a wrestler.

Professional Wrestling Debut

Big E's journey into professional wrestling began in WWE's developmental brand, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). His early career laid the foundation for future success.

  1. Professional Wrestling Debut: Big E made his professional wrestling debut in 2009 under the ring name Big E Langston in WWE's developmental brand, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW).

  2. NXT Championship: He became the second NXT Champion in 2012, showcasing his early talent and potential in the WWE.

  3. Main Roster Debut: Big E debuted on WWE's main roster on December 17, 2012, marking a significant step in his career.

Rise to Stardom with The New Day

Big E's career skyrocketed when he became a part of The New Day. This tag team brought a unique blend of entertainment and athleticism to WWE.

  1. Tag Team Success: As part of The New Day, Big E achieved unprecedented success in the tag team division, becoming a two-time Raw Tag Team Champion and a six-time SmackDown Tag Team Champion.

  2. Longest-Reigning Tag Team Champions: The New Day holds the record for the longest-reigning tag team champions in WWE history, with Big E being a crucial part of this achievement.

  3. The New Day's Impact: As part of The New Day, Big E, along with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, brought a unique blend of positivity and entertainment to WWE, making them one of the most beloved and successful tag teams in history.

  4. Signature Moves: Big E is known for his powerful moves, including the Big Ending (an over-the-shoulder facebuster) and the Midnight Hour (a diving DDT).

  5. Catchphrase: His iconic catchphrase, "New…Day Rocks!" has become synonymous with The New Day's energetic and fun-loving persona.

Individual Achievements

Big E's individual accomplishments are as impressive as his tag team successes. His journey to becoming a WWE Champion is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

  1. Intercontinental Champion: Big E has won the Intercontinental Championship twice, first on November 18, 2013, and again in 2020.

  2. Money in the Bank Winner: In 2021, Big E won the men's Money in the Bank ladder match, a prestigious title that granted him a future championship match.

  3. WWE Championship: He successfully cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to win the WWE Championship on September 13, 2021, becoming the 33rd Triple Crown Champion in WWE history.

  4. Championships and Accolades: Big E has won numerous championships, including the NXT Championship, Intercontinental Championship, Raw Tag Team Championship, SmackDown Tag Team Championship, and WWE Championship.

  5. Tag Team Accomplishments: With The New Day, Big E holds multiple tag team records and accolades, showcasing his dominance in the tag team division.

Injury and Recovery

Injuries are part of a wrestler's life, and Big E faced a significant one in 2022. His resilience and positive outlook have been inspiring.

  1. Injury and Recovery: In March 2022, Big E suffered a cervical spine fracture during a match on SmackDown, which forced him to retire from in-ring competition. Despite no nerve damage or strength issues, he was advised by doctors never to wrestle again.

  2. Medical Clearance: Despite being medically cleared to return to the ring, Big E has chosen not to wrestle again due to the risks involved with his injury.

  3. Injury Recovery Process: The recovery process from his cervical spine fracture has been challenging, but Big E remains optimistic about his future roles within WWE.

Current Role and Legacy

Even though his in-ring career may be over, Big E continues to contribute to WWE in various capacities. His legacy in the wrestling world is undeniable.

  1. Current Role: Post-injury, Big E has transitioned to roles such as an analyst and ambassador for WWE, appearing on various shows and events.

  2. Creative Freedom: Despite his injury, Big E continues to contribute creatively to WWE, ensuring that his legacy remains strong even outside of the ring.

  3. Post-Wrestling Career: While his in-ring career may be over, Big E's influence on WWE will continue through his roles as an analyst and ambassador.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Big E's impact extends beyond the wrestling ring. His involvement in community initiatives and his strong social media presence make him a beloved figure.

  1. Personal Life: Big E's personal life remains private, but his dedication to his family and community is evident through his charitable work and public appearances.

  2. Community Involvement: Big E has been involved in various community initiatives, using his platform to support charitable causes and promote positivity.

  3. Social Media Presence: With a strong presence on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, Big E engages with fans and shares updates about his career and personal life.

  4. Fan Engagement: Big E is known for his strong fan engagement, often interacting with fans on social media and at live events.

  5. Charitable Work: He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, using his platform to support causes such as children's health and education.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Big E's personality and career are filled with interesting tidbits that fans love. Here are some fun facts and trivia about the WWE superstar.

  1. Ring Name Origin: He adopted the ring name "Big E" after signing with WWE in 2009.

  2. Height and Weight: Big E stands at 5 feet 11 inches and weighs around 285 pounds.

  3. Theme Songs: Big E has had several theme songs throughout his career, including "Feel the Power" by def rebel feat. Wale and "New Day, New Way" by Jim Johnston.

  4. Wrestling Style: Big E's wrestling style is characterized by his powerful moves and high-flying combinations, making him a versatile and formidable opponent in the ring.

  5. Personality: Known for his fun-loving and positive persona, Big E has brought a unique energy to WWE, making him a fan favorite both in and out of the ring.

  6. Role Models: Big E has mentioned several role models, including Hulk Hogan and John Cena, who have inspired him throughout his career.

Legacy and Influence

Big E's legacy in WWE is marked by his achievements, influence on tag teams, and his role in shaping The New Day's identity.

  1. Legacy in WWE: His legacy in WWE extends beyond his in-ring accomplishments, as he has played a crucial role in shaping The New Day's identity and success.

  2. Influence on Tag Teams: Big E's influence on tag teams in WWE cannot be overstated, as he has set a high standard for tag team performances and achievements.

  3. Career Milestones: Achieving milestones such as becoming the NXT Champion and winning the WWE Championship are testaments to Big E's hard work and dedication to his craft.

  4. Impact on The New Day: As a member of The New Day, Big E has been instrumental in creating one of the most successful and beloved tag teams in WWE history.

  5. Fan Favorite: Big E is widely regarded as a fan favorite due to his entertaining performances, charismatic personality, and dedication to his craft.

  6. Community Support: Big E has received immense support from the WWE community and fans, who continue to follow his journey both in and out of the ring.

  7. Career Reflections: In interviews, Big E has reflected on his career, highlighting the highs and lows, and expressing gratitude for the opportunities he has had in WWE.

Continuing Influence

Even after stepping away from the ring, Big E's influence on WWE and his fans remains strong. His story is one of resilience, positivity, and inspiration.

  1. Enduring Legacy: Despite his retirement from in-ring competition, Big E's legacy in WWE continues to endure, inspiring future generations of wrestlers and fans alike.

  2. Athletic Background: His athletic background in football and powerlifting has significantly contributed to his success in professional wrestling, particularly in terms of strength and agility.

  3. Impact on WWE: Big E's contributions to WWE have been significant, not only through his in-ring performances but also through his role as an ambassador and analyst.

  4. Legacy in Powerlifting: Before becoming a wrestler, Big E was a successful powerlifter, setting multiple national and state records in the raw division.

  5. Athletic Achievements: His achievements in football and powerlifting demonstrate his exceptional athletic ability, which has been a significant factor in his success as a wrestler.

Big E's Lasting Impact

Big E's journey from a high school wrestling champ to a WWE superstar is nothing short of inspiring. His athletic prowess, charismatic personality, and dedication have left a significant mark on the wrestling world. Despite his career-ending injury, Big E's influence continues through his roles as an analyst and ambassador for WWE. His achievements with The New Day, including record-breaking tag team reigns and a WWE Championship win, solidify his legacy. Big E's story is a testament to resilience and passion, showing that even when faced with setbacks, one can still make a lasting impact. His contributions to WWE and his community work ensure that his legacy will inspire future generations. Big E's journey is a powerful reminder that true champions leave a mark both in and out of the ring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Big E's real name?
Big E was born Ettore Ewen. He's known by his ring name in WWE, where he's made quite the name for himself.
How did Big E get his start in wrestling?
Before stepping into the wrestling ring, Big E was a powerlifter. His impressive strength caught WWE's attention, leading to his wrestling career kickoff in NXT, WWE's developmental territory.
Has Big E won any championships in WWE?
Absolutely! Big E has snagged several titles, including the WWE Intercontinental Championship and the WWE Tag Team Championship as part of The New Day, one of the most beloved factions in recent WWE history.
What's unique about Big E's wrestling style?
Big E's background in powerlifting shines through in his wrestling style. He's known for his raw strength, explosive power moves, and a surprisingly agile repertoire for a man of his size.
Is Big E involved in activities outside of wrestling?
Yes, he is. Apart from wrestling, Big E has made appearances in various podcasts and shows. He's also a voice actor and has a keen interest in philanthropy, often participating in community service and charity events.
What's one of Big E's most memorable moments in WWE?
One standout moment was when Big E cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on Bobby Lashley to win the WWE Championship. This victory was a testament to his hard work and dedication, making it a highlight of his career.
How can fans keep up with Big E's career?
Fans can follow Big E on social media for updates on his wrestling career and personal endeavors. WWE's official website and programming also feature regular updates on his matches and storylines.

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