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Big E

Big E is the ring name of Ettore Ewen, an American professional wrestler, powerlifter, and former American football player best known for his work in WWE.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Big E is the ring name of Ettore Ewen, an American professional wrestler, powerlifter, and former American football player best known for his work in WWE. He is a former WWE Champion, NXT Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and multiple-time tag team champion, and he was a founding member of The New Day.

Early life and pre-wrestling career

Big E was born on March 1, 1986, in Tampa, Florida. Before joining WWE, he competed in powerlifting and played college football at the University of Iowa. His athletic background was a major part of his in-ring persona and reputation for strength.

WWE career

He signed with WWE in 2009 and wrestled in developmental before moving to the main roster in 2012. His singles career included reigns as NXT Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and WWE Champion. WWE lists him as a winner of the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and multiple tag team championships.

The New Day

Big E became widely known as one of the three original members of The New Day with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. The group became one of WWE’s most successful and recognizable tag teams and factions.

Injury and later roles

Big E suffered a serious neck injury in 2022 and stopped wrestling in the ring. He has remained visible in WWE through commentary, hosting, and other on-screen or promotional roles.

Key facts

  • Big E is the ring name of Ettore Ewen, a WWE professional wrestler.
  • He won the WWE Championship, NXT Championship, and Intercontinental Championship.
  • He was a founding member of The New Day with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.
  • A neck injury in 2022 sidelined him from in-ring wrestling.
  • He has remained in WWE in non-wrestling roles such as commentary and hosting.
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Canadian context

Big E has appeared on WWE programming widely broadcast in Canada, and The New Day became a popular act among Canadian wrestling fans following WWE’s long-running TV and live-event presence in the country.

Frequently asked questions

What is Big E's real name?
His real name is Ettore Ewen.
What is Big E known for in WWE?
He is known for being a former WWE Champion, NXT Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and a key member of The New Day.
When was Big E born?
He was born on March 1, 1986.
What sports did Big E play before wrestling?
He competed in powerlifting and played college football at the University of Iowa.
What happened to Big E in 2022?
He suffered a neck injury that sidelined him from in-ring wrestling.
Is Big E still with WWE?
Yes. He has remained involved with WWE in non-wrestling roles such as commentary and hosting.

References

  1. WWE — https://www.wwe.com/superstars/big-e
    Supports: Ring name, physical stats, hometown, signature moves, career highlights, and biography.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/17173037/wwe-profile-page-big-e
    Supports: Birth date, billed height and weight, hometown, college, and championship history.
  3. Sportskeeda — https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/big-e
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, debut information, and later non-wrestling WWE roles.
  4. Sports Illustrated — https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/ridge-holland-believes-big-e-neck-injury-also-ended-his-own-wwe-career
    Supports: 2022 neck injury details and continued WWE appearances after the injury.