News

Big E Reacts to New Day Member Suffering Serious Neck Injury

By Monika Thapa • Published Aug 25, 2025 08:50 EDT
Big E

Big E has been sidelined since suffering a severe neck injury in March 2022, when a suplex by Ridge Holland caused fractures to two cervical vertebrae.

Despite no ligament or spinal cord damage and no surgery needed, doctors advised Big E against returning to in-ring competition. He has since served in non-wrestling roles for WWE. His return to wrestling remains uncertain.

He was formally kicked out of The New Day by Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods on December 2, 2024, during the WWE RAW show celebrating the faction’s 10th anniversary. The injured star was blamed for neglecting and abandoning his stablemates due to his recovery from injury.

On August 18, 2025, Xavier Woods suffered a similar neck injury during a grudge match against Penta on Monday Night RAW involving a $12,000 bet over a hat. Penta delivered a Mexican Destroyer pile driver that seemingly has messed up Woods’ neck.

In a recent video on X, Woods ranted about his frustration over WWE deliberately putting him in a spot that caused him to sustain a serious neck injury. He blamed RAW General Manager Adam Pearce for allowing the dangerous move, criticizing neglect and double standards compared to other wrestlers’ medical treatment.

Big E’s Reaction to Xavier Woods’ Injury

The video caught Big E’s attention online, and he dropped a reaction to it. Check out his reaction below.

Xavier Woods’ Injury on WWE RAW Is More Than Just a Storyline

It seems that Woods’ neck injury is not merely a storyline angle but a legitimate one. According to Fightful Select, one eyewitness claimed to have seen Woods wearing a neck brace after the Raw episode, suggesting serious concern.

The full severity of Xavier Woods’s neck injury is not yet clear, but reports indicate he told backstage personnel that the injury was significant. While he was able to exit the venue on his own, indicating no immediate life-threatening damage, the neck brace signals a precautionary response.

“We haven’t learned anything regarding the extent of it, but one source claimed they actually saw him wearing a neck brace later that evening. He was able to leave under his own power and initially didn’t seem severe at least based on the fact that he was up and continuing his evening.” [H/T Ringside News]