During guest commentary on WWE Raw this past Monday (April 7, 2025), comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made a controversial joke about Big E’s serious neck injury. While promoting the upcoming “Roast of WrestleMania” during a match between The New Day and The War Raiders, Hinchcliffe quipped that the only thing stiffer than fellow commentator Michael Cole was Big E’s neck. The comment quickly drew criticism online from many fans and observers who felt it was insensitive given the potentially career-ending nature of Big E’s injury.
Big E, who is widely respected within the wrestling community for his talent and positive attitude, addressed the remark on WWE’s Raw Recap podcast. He indicated he hadn’t known about the joke beforehand and, while acknowledging the public discussion (primarily negative towards the joke), shared his detailed perspective, emphasizing his detachment from others’ opinions and the discourse itself:
“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 said. “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.”
He concluded his thoughts on the matter by reiterating his lack of personal offense and desire to avoid the 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 (broken C1 and C6 vertebrae) during a match in March 2022. Fractures to the C1 vertebra, in particular, carry significant risk. The injury has prevented his neck from ossifying (forming sufficient bone) to allow a safe return to wrestling, likely ending his in-ring career. However, Big E can live a normal, healthy life and has consistently expressed peace with his situation, regardless of whether he wrestles again. He remains involved with WWE, frequently appearing as a panelist on Premium Live Event pre-shows and post-shows.
Tony Hinchcliffe, a comedian known for his provocative and often dark roast-style humor and host of the popular stand-up comedy podcast “Kill Tony,” has multiple Netflix specials upcoming. He is set to host the “Roast of WrestleMania.” This untelevised event, presented by WWE and the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas, will take place on Sunday, April 20, 2025, following night two of WrestleMania 41 (WrestleMania 41 itself being April 19-20, 2025). The roast is expected to feature Hinchcliffe, fellow comedians, and WWE figures including Sami Zayn, The Miz, Braun Strowman, and Paul Heyman.
