Luke Menzies discussed the 2022 incident on SmackDown involving an injury to Big E and how it fundamentally altered his professional trajectory. While competing as Ridge Holland alongside Sheamus, Menzies was involved in a belly-to-belly suplex spot that resulted in Big E suffering a broken neck. Speaking on The Mike Rand Show, Menzies noted that the match was put together at the last minute following a meeting with Vince McMahon.
“It (the move) was something that I’d done. I’d done Keith Lee, and unfortunately, wrestling things, things go wrong. And I think from that moment, Big E, he was a huge star and so loved that there was a massive backlash. And even me being relatively new on the roster as well, even to the higher ups, you know, the old boys that have been around, they’re gonna have to point the finger at somebody, and, yeah, the point of the finger at me. And I think that it kind of always hung over me as a black cloud in my career, and I never really got past it. I couldn’t shake it. It was just something that it just is what it is.”
The Professional Fallout
Menzies expressed deep regret over the situation, acknowledging that while Big E’s in-ring career ended that day, he believed his own career was effectively over as well. He noted that although he and Big E have spoken and maintain an amicable respect for one another, the stigma of the injury followed him through his runs on the main roster and in NXT.
And, you know, I would say that, like, yeah, Big E’s career, unfortunately, ended that day. But I think so did mine, in a way, you know, but at least my career with the degree, I always regret it. Mme and Big E spoke; he’s such a wonderful human being. Holds no animosity towards me, and he’s in a great spot right now in his life, which I’m super happy for. It’s just one of those things that I’m looking forward to, you know, putting it behind me and moving on. And hopefully…..when the time comes for me I put my boots back on that can reinvent myself.”
Menzies is no longer under contract with WWE following his release in early 2026.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Mike Rand Show with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can watch the full interview on the Mike Rand Show YouTube channel.
