Injuries happen in professional wrestling. Real injuries. People get hurt. That’s what happened a year ago, on March 11, 2022, on WWE SmackDown in a tag team match between New Day members Big E and Kofi Kingston and Sheamus and Ridge Holland.
Big E was injured when Holland’s belly-to-belly suplex outside the ring went horribly wrong. Big E suffered a broken neck. He’s doing better – he has full use of his arms and legs – but his wrestling future is in doubt.
‘Great stuff. Keep ‘em coming.’
While Big E hasn’t criticized Holland for causing the injury, others have and have made their blame personal. Ridge posted this recently on social media: “Death threats. Threats to my family. Lobbying for me to lose my job. Being labeled as racist. Great stuff. Keep ’em coming.”
In response, Xavier Woods, the other member of New Day, posted: “Pro wrestling is extremely dangerous. All of us involved understand that. Ridge & his family do not deserve to be treated this way. Please do not send any hate towards him. Instead, use your energy to do something positive, like sending love to E. Be kind. Please be kind.”
Yes, let’s send out good wishes to Big E and not crucify someone for a mistake he certainly regrets terribly.
In Other News
In other professional wrestling news:
WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson suffered a terrible loss Saturday. His son Barrett died at age 37. No cause of death was revealed. Anderson, a former member of The Four Horseman faction who is currently working for All Elite Wrestling, announced Barrett’s death on his Twitter account. Past and present wrestlers sent their condolences.
“Love you Arn,” said Bray Wyatt. “Oh my God, No! I am so friggin’ sorry Arn!” said Matt Morgan. “I’m so sorry Arn,” said Bayley. “My condolences to you and your family Arn. God Bless Barrett,” said Bully Ray. Anderson, whose real name is Martin Lunde, is a road agent who appears on TV occasionally for AEW.
His other son, Brock, recently appeared with his father on “AEW Dark” as part of a tag team with Brian Pillman Jr. Arn Anderson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012 along with the rest of the Four Horsemen.
Bray Wyatt, who hasn’t wrestled since winning a Lights Out Street Fight vs. LA Knight on Feb. 26 in Rockford, Ill., is reportedly out with an injury. His last time on TV was Feb. 27, when he appeared in a pre-taped promo for his WrestleMania 39 match vs. Bobby Lashley. Wyatt’s match vs. Lashley is still on.
Rey Mysterio will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before WrestleMania 39. Former wrestler Konnan will induct him at Mysterio’s request. The two have been friends for years. It’s quite possible that Mysterio’s current storyline battle with his son Dominick will be incorporated into his Hall of Fame induction.
ROMAN REIGNS-SAMI ZAYN WAS A MATCH FOR THE AGES… IS SAMI MOVING ON NOW?
