During guest commentary on the April 7th edition of WWE Raw, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe sparked backlash after making a controversial joke referencing Big E’s serious neck injury. The joke was made while promoting the upcoming Roast of WrestleMania during a tag team match featuring The New Day and The War Raiders. Hinchcliffe quipped, “The only thing stiffer than Michael Cole is Big E’s neck.”
The comment was widely criticized online, with fans and media calling it insensitive, given the severity and life-altering implications of Big E’s real-life injury.
Big E, who remains one of the most respected and beloved figures in WWE, responded to the comment during an appearance on the WWE Raw Recap podcast. While he didn’t appear visibly upset, he offered a measured and introspective response to the situation.
“I guess, at my big age of 39 years old, people will say what they want about you. Their opinion of you is not — has nothing to do with me. It’s not my business,” Big E stated. “Look, say what you want, he was given a mic, he was given an opportunity. People will feel how they want to.”
He continued:
“There’s a lot of discourse. Often times as a public figure, people will say things about you. Whether they’re jokes, whether they’re not. And that is their right… It is tiring to have to weigh in on everyone’s opinion or whatever they say.”
Big E clarified that while he understands why the discourse happened, he has no desire to take part in it.
“Look, I’m not hurt. I’m good. I want the discourse to be had without me, honestly. I really have no desire to weigh in on this. I didn’t sign up for this. I wasn’t aware of this. He did what he wanted to. People signed off on it. Has nothing to do with me, truly.”
Big E suffered a fractured C1 and C6 vertebrae during a match in March 2022, an injury that could have had catastrophic consequences. While he has not been medically cleared to return to the ring, Big E has maintained a positive outlook and remains involved with WWE as a panelist on PLE kickoffs and post-shows.
As for Tony Hinchcliffe, the comedian is set to host the “Roast of WrestleMania”—an untelevised event presented by WWE and the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas. Scheduled for Sunday, April 20th, 2025, following WrestleMania 41 night two, the roast will also feature appearances from Sami Zayn, The Miz, Braun Strowman, and Paul Heyman.
Hinchcliffe, known for his edgy and roast-style humor, is no stranger to controversy. Whether the backlash affects the tone of the Roast of WrestleMania remains to be seen.
