Big E (wrestler)
A powerhouse wrestler whose infectious positivity and championship success with The New Day made him one of WWE's most beloved and charismatic figures.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American professional wrestler·Birthday: March 1·Millennials
Biography
Big E's journey to WWE stardom was forged in iron. Before stepping into the ring, he was a champion powerlifter, a background that informed his in-ring persona as a smiling powerhouse capable of breathtaking feats of strength. His initial run as a silent, intense enforcer gave way to his true destiny with the formation of The New Day alongside Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Unleashing a torrent of charisma, the trio became a cultural force, turning audience skepticism into overwhelming adoration with their vibrant energy, inventive promos, and undeniable chemistry. Big E was the stable's joyful anchor, famous for his hyped-up ring introductions and the devastating Big Ending finisher. His perseverance was rewarded with a triumphant WWE Championship victory in 2021. A severe neck injury cut his in-ring career short, but he transitioned seamlessly into a role as a broadcaster and ambassador, his legacy secure as a man whose strength was matched only by his capacity for joy.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Big was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Big Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Big's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the WWE Championship in 2021, a career pinnacle after years of tag team dominance.
- As part of The New Day, won a combined eight WWE Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
- Was a two-time NXT Champion during the brand's early years as a developmental territory.
- Successfully transitioned to a broadcasting and analyst role for WWE after his in-ring retirement.
Did You Know?
He holds a legitimate collegiate powerlifting record, with a squat of over 700 pounds.
Big E is fluent in French, which he studied at the University of Iowa.
He and his New Day teammates broke the record for longest-reigning WWE Tag Team Champions in the 21st century.
“We want you to feel good! We want you to feel the power of positivity!”
