Big E

Here is a full-length “biography + quotes” style article on Big E (Ettore Ewen), with citations as requested.

Big E – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

A comprehensive look at the life, career, and legacy of Ettore “Big E” Ewen: from athletics to WWE stardom, struggles and triumphs, and memorable insights from his journey.

Introduction

Ettore “Big E” Ewen is one of the WWE’s most charismatic and powerful performers—a wrestler whose physical strength, magnetic presence, and emotional vulnerability have made him a fan favorite. Though he is primarily known for his in-ring career and role in the celebrated stable The New Day, Big E’s story is also one of perseverance, reinvention, and personal growth. In this article, we dive deep into his life, career, challenges, and the wisdom he’s shared along the way.

Early Life and Family

Big E was born on March 1, 1986 in Tampa, Florida, to parents Margaret and Ettore Ewen.
He is of Jamaican and Montserratian descent.
Growing up in Tampa, Ewen showed athletic promise from an early age, engaging in wrestling and other sports throughout his youth.

Youth and Education

In high school, Big E distinguished himself as a wrestler, capturing a state championship in his class.
He also transferred during high school to Wharton High School to better pursue football opportunities, eventually being named Hillsborough County’s “Ironman of the Year.”

After graduating, Ewen attended the University of Iowa, where he played collegiate football for the Hawkeyes as a defensive lineman.
He redshirted in 2004 and missed the 2005 season due to injury, but did compete in 2006.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

After college, when football did not fully pan out, Ewen pivoted toward powerlifting, competing in raw events and breaking records in Florida.

Career and Achievements

Transition to Wrestling

Ettore’s transition into professional wrestling came after his football and powerlifting days. In 2009, WWE signed him to a developmental contract and assigned him to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), where he performed under the ring name Big E Langston.

In FCW, he found early success:

• He won the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship with partner Calvin Raines.

• He also competed in singles matches and developed his persona and finishing move (the “Big Ending”).

When WWE rebranded FCW into NXT, Big E continued his rise there. He won the NXT Championship by defeating Seth Rollins in January 2013.

He was called up to WWE’s main roster in December 2012.

The New Day & Tag Team Success

One of Big E’s most defining roles came as a member of the trio The New Day alongside Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.

The New Day combined humor, athleticism, and crowd connection, and became one of WWE’s most popular factions.
They collected numerous tag team titles, and under the “Freebird Rule” their collectively held tag titles were defended by any two of the three.
At one point, Big E (with the others) held the Raw Tag Team Championship for 483 days, the longest in WWE history.

Singles Success & WWE Championship

After years of tag team prominence, Big E reentered the singles spotlight around 2020.
On December 25, 2020, he won the Intercontinental Championship, his second time holding that title.

In 2021, he competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match and claimed the briefcase.
Later in 2021, he cashes it in and defeated Bobby Lashley on the same night to become WWE Champion for the first time.

This victory made him one of only a few Black WWE Champions in history.

Injury, Recovery, and Present Role

On March 11, 2022, during a SmackDown match, Big E suffered a severe neck injury, fracturing his C1 and C6 vertebrae.
Thankfully, there was no ligament or spinal cord damage, and he did not require surgery.
However, doctors have warned him never to wrestle again.

Since then, Big E has transitioned to non-wrestling roles within WWE—hosting, appearing on panels, interviews, and as a presence in the media.

In October 2025, he publicly confirmed that his in-ring career is behind him.

Historical Milestones & Context

Big E’s journey is notable not just as a performer but as a figure in WWE’s evolving landscape. His rise as a Black champion came during a time of growing discussions about representation and diversity in wrestling. His success story situates him among other trailblazers in WWE history.

Moreover, his wrestling era (2010s–2020s) saw WWE lean more into multi-platform storytelling, social media presence, character development, and crossover appeal. Big E’s ability to blend humor, charisma, and physicality helped him thrive in this environment.

His injury and consequent shift to a non-in-ring role echo a broader theme in sports and entertainment: athletes must often adapt, reinvent, and find new purpose beyond their original domain.

Legacy and Influence

Though Big E’s in-ring journey may have ended, his impact is significant:

• He is widely respected by fellow wrestlers, fans, and media for his work ethic, loyalty, and authenticity.

• His run as WWE Champion, though relatively brief, cemented him in the annals of title prestige and representation.

• The New Day’s success will likely be studied and emulated by future tag teams for how they combined entertainment, in-ring skill, and fan connection.

• His openness about mental health (which we’ll touch on shortly) offers inspiration beyond the squared circle.

• One recent development: he has secured a book deal to write his memoir, joining a tradition of wrestlers telling their own stories.

Personality and Talents

Physically, Big E is imposing: billed at 5 ft 11 in and around 285 lbs.
But beyond brute strength, what sets him apart is his charisma, comedic timing, and ability to connect with audiences.

Inside the ring, his finishing move the Big Ending became iconic—often a highlight of matches.

Off stage, Big E has spoken openly about his struggles with depression, which reportedly began in childhood and became more acute during his football days and beyond.
He has credited therapy, mindfulness, and meditation as critical tools in managing his mental health.

In May 2025, Big E announced his engagement to Kris Yim, sister of WWE’s Mia Yim.

Famous Quotes of Big E

Here are some notable quotes and reflections from Big E:

1. “I would never have [thought wrestling was] something you could do for a living … Thankfully I was in the right place and the right time, and it’s something that I have developed a passion for.”

2. In reference to wrestling after injury: He has said his “career is kind of behind me,” acknowledging the reality he faces.

3. On his injury and recovery: He recalled the “outpouring of love” from fans in the wake of the broken neck and how that support has meant a lot to him.

4. On engagement: “I can’t wait to be your husband,” said when proposing to Kris Yim.

These statements reflect his humility, gratitude, and realism about his journey.

Lessons from Big E

• Adaptability matters. When his football path stalled, he shifted to powerlifting and then wrestling—building new opportunities rather than staying stuck.

• Strength is more than physical. Big E’s success came not just from his power, but from his rapport with fans, comedic instincts, and willingness to be vulnerable.

• Mental health is vital. He has been candid about depression and mental health struggles, helping destigmatize these topics especially in sports/entertainment.

• Legacy isn’t only about titles. Even with his in-ring career ended, Big E’s influence remains through the fans he inspired, the colleagues he lifted up, and the narratives he helped shape.

• Tell your own story. With his upcoming memoir, he joins a lineage of performers taking control of their narrative, ensuring fans see both the highlights and the struggles.

Conclusion

Ettore “Big E” Ewen’s life is a testament to perseverance, evolution, and authenticity. From a gifted youth athlete to a champion wrestler, from injury to reinvention, he’s shown that the value of a career is not just in its peak moments but in the integrity and resilience behind them. As he turns to new chapters—writing, media, mentorship—his impact is sure to endure.

Explore more about Big E, his upcoming memoir, and the lessons from his life—because the story is far from over.

Citation
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