Big E

Big E was a powerhouse wrestler known for his incredible strength, charisma, and comedic timing. As a former college football player at the University of Iowa and USA Powerlifting champion, he brought legitimate athletic credentials to professional wrestling. He debuted in WWE’s developmental system in 2009 and became the second NXT Champion in 2012.

After his NXT Championship title win, he was called up to the WWE main roster on December 17, 2012, where he initially found success as an enforcer for Dolph Ziggler and AJ Lee before starting a solo run that saw him capture the Intercontinental Championship. However, his career truly flourished when he formed The New Day with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods in 2014.

Initially booed for their over-the-top “Power of Positivity” gimmick, the trio embraced a heel persona and became one of the most distinguished tag teams in WWE history, setting the record for the longest Raw Tag Team Championship reign at 483 days.

In 2020, Big E was separated from The New Day in the WWE Draft and moved on to another singles push, winning his second Intercontinental Championship. In 2021, he won the Money in the Bank ladder match and cashed in on Bobby Lashley to win the WWE Championship, becoming a Triple Crown Champion. His reign lasted 110 days before losing to Brock Lesnar.

Tragically, on March 11, 2022, Big E suffered a broken neck during a match and has not competed since. On October 9, 2025, he officially announced his retirement from in-ring competition.