A moment of guest commentary on this week’s RAW has sparked online debate after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a remark about Big E’s serious neck injury. Hinchcliffe, who was on the show to promote the upcoming ‘Roast of WrestleMania’, made the quip during a match between The New Day and The War Raiders for the World Tag Team Championship, stating that the only thing stiffer than fellow commentator Michael Cole was Big E’s neck.
The joke was met with swift and widespread criticism from numerous fans and observers who deemed it insensitive given the potentially career-ending nature of the injury Big E sustained.
Big E addressed the controversy on WWE’s RAW Recap podcast. He clarified that he was unaware of the joke beforehand and, while acknowledging the significant public discussion surrounding it, shared his personal perspective, emphasizing his detachment from the opinions of others.
“I guess, at my big age of 39 years old, people will say what they want about you. Their opinion of you is not, has nothing to do with me. It’s not my business,” Big E stated on the podcast. “Look, say what you want, he was given a mic, he was given an opportunity. People will feel how they want to. It’s just, you know, there’s a lot of discourse, often times as a public figure people will say things about you.
Whether they’re jokes, whether they’re not. And that is their right. I think the one thing is, and I get like, I’m on here, it was said on the show, I’m supposed to talk. You know, especially when things are mentioned about me, I should have an opinion on them. It’s just, it is tiring to have to weigh in on everyone’s opinion or whatever they say.”
Big E concluded his thoughts by reiterating that he was not personally offended by the joke and expressed his desire to remain outside of the ensuing debate.
“Look, I’m not hurt. I’m good. I want the discourse to be had without me, honestly. I really have no desire to weigh in on this. I didn’t sign up for this. I wasn’t aware of this. He did what he wanted to. People signed off on it. Has nothing to do with me, truly.”
Big E suffered a severe neck injury in March 2022, fracturing his C1 and C6 vertebrae during a match. Fractures to the C1 vertebra carry particularly high risks. The injury has unfortunately prevented his neck from fully healing with sufficient bone formation, making a safe return to in-ring competition highly unlikely.
Despite this, Big E has maintained a positive outlook and has expressed peace with his situation, regardless of his wrestling future. He remains an active part of the WWE family, frequently appearing as a panelist on pre-shows and post-shows for Premium Live Events.
Tony Hinchcliffe, the comedian behind the controversial remark, is known for his often edgy and dark roast-style humor and hosts the popular stand-up comedy podcast ‘Kill Tony’.
He has several upcoming Netflix specials and is slated to host the ‘Roast of WrestleMania’. This off-camera event, presented by WWE and the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas, is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 20, 2025, following Night 2 of WrestleMania 41. The roast is expected to feature Hinchcliffe alongside other comedians and WWE personalities, including Sami Zayn, The Miz, Braun Strowman, and Paul Heyman.
Also Check Out: Big E Reveals How His Relationship With Mia Yim’s Sister Started (Photos)
