The wrestling world is abuzz with the recent revelation from Big E, a former WWE superstar, about his planned title reigns and the unexpected twists that led to his premature retirement. In a recent interview, Big E shed light on the intricate plans WWE had for him when he held the world title, offering a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of professional wrestling.
A Title Change and a Rematch
Big E's journey to the top began in September 2021 when he won his first and only world title. However, his reign was short-lived, as he lost the title to Brock Lesnar just a few months later. During the interview, Big E revealed that the original plan was for him to lose the title to Seth Rollins, setting the stage for a potential rematch at WrestleMania.
"Initially, we were moving towards a singles match between me and Seth at Day 1. I was going to drop the title anyway. So, I was supposed to lose the title to Seth. We'd come back at WrestleMania, and I'd regain it," Big E explained. This plan, however, was not to be, as Vince McMahon had other ideas.
Vince McMahon's Interventions
As the Day 1 event in 2022 approached, the WWE Universe witnessed a shift in the original plan. McMahon decided to transform the singles match into a multi-man match, adding Kevin Owens and Bobby Lashley to the mix. This change of course led to a four-way match at Day 1, which Lesnar won, setting the stage for further title changes.
"Creative, the office, was like, 'Okay, we need a filler program.' So, KO [Kevin Owens] got added. Then it became a three-way thing for a little bit. Then Bobby [Lashley] needed something to do. Vince loves Bobby. So, Bobby's inserted. So, it was supposed to be a four-way at Day 1. Then Roman got sick," Big E recalled. The series of events led to Lesnar losing the title to Lashley, and eventually, Lesnar regained it at the Elimination Chamber.
WrestleMania and the Unforeseen Twist
The story took an even more dramatic turn when Lesnar lost the title to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 38. But for Big E, the narrative took a tragic turn. His career-ending injury, a broken neck, occurred before the event, preventing the much-anticipated rematch with Rollins.
"By the time we got to WrestleMania, my neck was broken. My career was over," Big E said, reflecting on the unfortunate turn of events. The injury not only ended his in-ring career but also dashed the hopes of fans who eagerly awaited the potential title rematch.
A Missed Opportunity
The revelation of these plans highlights the intricate decision-making process in professional wrestling. It also underscores the impact of individual personalities, such as Vince McMahon, on the direction of storylines. The missed opportunity to see Big E regain the title at WrestleMania adds a layer of intrigue to his legacy, leaving fans with a sense of what could have been.
In my opinion, this behind-the-scenes look at WWE's planning process is a fascinating insight into the world of professional wrestling. It showcases the delicate balance between creativity and execution, and how a single decision can significantly alter the course of a wrestler's career. As a wrestling fan, it's intriguing to consider the alternate realities that could have unfolded, and how different choices might have shaped the outcomes.
