"You depend on your opponent at least 50 to 60%" - WWE legend is glad that Big E did not get paralyzed (Exclusive)
As reported earlier, Big E suffered a broken neck after landing on his head from Ridge Holland's belly-to-belly suplex on SmackDown.
Dutch Mantell reacted to the unfortunate injury on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Smack Talk and was relieved that Big E did not get paralyzed from the severe impact to his neck.
WrestleMania 38 is just under three weeks away, and the WWE veteran was dejected for Big E as the former world champion will surely miss the biggest event of the year.
Dutch Mantell joined the entire wrestling community to send his best wishes to the former Mr. Money in the Bank and pray for the New Day member's speedy recovery.
"Oh, it is terrible. I mean, you work. WrestleMania is about the biggest show; you're all geared up and pumped up for that, and what? Three weeks and a day before the show, you end up with an injury like this. He is lucky that he is not paralyzed. I'm glad that he is not. Good guy. I wish all the best to him, but it's really, really sad that Big E is hurt like this, and let's just skip WrestleMania. Let's talk about his life. I mean, you could very easily die from an injury like that. And, it's what wrestlers do all the time and think nothing of it until something gets hurt like that. So, my best wishes to Big E, and I hope he recovers and gets back to a 100%. But I think, by and large, he is out of WrestleMania," said Dutch Mantell. [4:25 – 5:30]
Dutch Mantell also discussed what might have gone wrong in the spot that caused the serious neck injury.
While Mantell said that a wrestler primarily depends on his opponent for safety, he wasn't sure if Ridge Holland was entirely responsible for the mishap. The former WWE manager noted that Big E might not have propelled himself enough to complete the suplex outside the ring.
"First of all, in wrestling, you depend on your opponent at least 50 to 60%. So unless his opponent slipped, or he didn't get him up, or maybe Big E didn't propel himself or clear himself, who knows?" stated Mantell. "Who knows what happened? But the fact that it happened is concerning enough, but who knows. I mean, you can get hurt just like this [snaps fingers]." [5:58 – 6:32]
Big E's message to the fans
As seen on SmackDown, the New Day powerhouse was immediately stretchered away to the hospital after his tag team match. Later, the former WWE Champion posted a video on social media and updated fans about his status.
While the SmackDown star confirmed the grim news about his broken neck, the universally-liked superstar assured fans that he would get better and thanked everyone for their support.
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"I can't thank all you beautiful people enough for all of your concern and your messages; it is very heartwarming," said Big E. "I can move all my digits. Can you see that? That is a good thing. Strength feels fine, but unfortunately, they tell me now that my neck is broken. So, there's that. But once again, thank you, everybody. I'm going to be alright. I'll be good. Don't worry. Go to sleep. Don't worry about me, for real, and I appreciate all of you."
Sportskeeda Wrestling also sends its best wishes to the 36-year-old superstar, and we hope to see him back even stronger than before.
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