With the knowledge that Big E is going to be okay, Ridge Holland wants to escape the stigma that his neck injury caused.
Big E suffered a fractured C1 and C6 vertebrae when Holland suplexed on him on the March 11 edition of WWE SmackDown. Some fans have blamed Holland for the botched move, though Big E is expected to make a full recovery.
In an interview with Metro, Holland reflected on the spot that caused the injury, noting that it was a major knock to his confidence. He stated that the most important thing is that Big E is okay, and moving forward, he wants to overcome the stigma stemming from the injury and show the world what he can do.
‘It was a massive knock to my confidence. The main thing is that E’s functional, he’s OK, he’s gonna live a full life. From a personal standpoint, I’d like to get in the ring more and show people what I can do because there is a stigma there with the Big E thing. So, I wanna show people what I can do and how good I can be, and wash that stain off my back," Holland said.
Holland emphasized that he wants to build "that trust up", both with his own abilities and other WWE Superstars.
"It’s just been a slow process, getting back into it and learning how to trust myself, and obviously building that trust up with the boys as well. The trust of your peers is what we aim for," he said.
Throughout the interview, Holland made it clear that Big E and his health are the priority
"He’s absolutely fine, I’m in contact with him – not as much as I was because I think I was annoying him slightly. For me, personally, the main thing is that Big E’s gonna be OK. That’s the number one, regardless of how I feel, regardless of what’s come to be. The main thing is that he’s his positive self, he’s cracking on and hopefully we’ll see him back in the not to distant future," he said.
Additionally, Holland explained how Sheamus, Butch, William Regal, and Fit Finlay, among others, have all been helpful by supporting him and giving him advice.
"[Sheamus and Butch have] been really good, checking in on me and just telling me everything’s going to be OK. He’s not in the company anymore, but I was in contact with William Regal, Fit Finlay’s given me plenty of advice, as have numerous people so I’m very grateful for that," Holland said.
Holland last wrestled on WWE TV on the July 15 episode of WWE SmackDown, where he lost to Drew McIntyre. In his most recent contest, Madcap Moss beat him in a dark match ahead of the August 5 edition of SmackDown.
Big E recently provided an update on his recovery, noting that he would be content if he never wrestled again and saying that he's taking a "wait and see" approach. You can check out his comments here.
