Big E

Big E
Name	Big E
Birth name	Ettore Ewen
Birth date	1 March 1986
Birth place	Hampton, Virginia
Alma mater	University of Iowa
Height	1.80 m
Weight	120 kg
Debut	2009
Billed	Boca Raton, Florida

Big E is the ring name of Ettore Ewen, an American professional wrestler, powerlifter, and entertainer known for his tenure with WWE. He rose to prominence as a member of the tag team The New Day alongside Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, becoming one of the most decorated performers in modern WWE history. His career spans collegiate football and powerlifting accomplishments, multimedia appearances, and sustained influence on representation in professional wrestling.

Early life and education

Ettore Ewen was born in Hampton, Virginia, and attended Phoebus High School where he excelled in athletics, particularly football and wrestling. He received a scholarship to the University of Iowa and competed for the Iowa Hawkeyes while studying at Iowa City. After college, he pursued postgraduate studies and athletic training, aligning with NFL-adjacent programs before transitioning to professional strength sports and entertainment.

Professional wrestling career

Ewen began his professional wrestling training at FCW before debuting on WWE NXT in 2012. He formed a high-profile alliance with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods that evolved into The New Day, engaging in marquee feuds with teams such as The Shield, The Wyatt Family, and The Usos. As a singles competitor, he captured the WWE Intercontinental Championship, the WWE Championship, and multiple WWE Tag Team Championships alongside New Day partners. Major appearances include headline matches on WrestleMania, title defenses on Monday Night Raw, and featured roles at SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series events. His in-ring style combined powerlifting-influenced strength moves, signature techniques popularized on SmackDown broadcasts, and promo work reflecting influences from Dwayne Johnson, Brock Lesnar, and The Rock.

Music and other media appearances

Beyond wrestling, Ewen appeared in music and mainstream media, collaborating with artists and participating in programming on WWE Network specials and guest spots on Good Morning America. He took part in promotional campaigns with PepsiCo-adjacent brands and appeared in documentary segments produced by ESPN and Vox Media. The New Day's musical parody segments and comedic performances connected Ewen to entertainers linked with The Roots, Jimmy Fallon, and variety programming on NBC. He has also featured in podcasts and interviews with outlets such as The Pat McAfee Show and Wrestling Observer Newsletter-adjacent media.

Personal life and public image

Ewen is married and has maintained a profile that intersects sports, entertainment, and community engagement; he has been involved with charitable initiatives alongside Make-A-Wish Foundation affiliates and public service campaigns connected to WWE philanthropic outreach. His public image emphasizes athleticism, positivity, and representation, leading to coverage in publications like ESPN, The New York Times, and Time. He has participated in panels at Comic-Con International and appearances at conventions hosted by WWE Fan Axxess and regional fan organizations.

Championships and accomplishments

- Multiple-time WWE Tag Team Championship holder with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods as members of The New Day. - Winner of the WWE Championship on SmackDown and headlined WrestleMania-adjacent programs. - Holder of the WWE Intercontinental Championship and key titles contested at Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series events. - Recognized by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in annual rankings and awarded in year-end lists by Wrestling Observer Newsletter and CBS Sports.

Legacy and influence

Ewen's career with WWE and as part of The New Day has influenced tag team presentation, merchandising strategies, and diversity initiatives within televised professional wrestling. His prominence contributed to expanded representation of athletes from Hampton and University of Iowa alumni in mainstream entertainment, and his crossover into media helped shape collaborative projects between WWE, NBCUniversal, and sports outlets such as ESPN. Peers and commentators from Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Wrestling Observer Newsletter, and mainstream outlets cite his combination of strength, charisma, and promotional skill as a model for modern performers.

Category:American professional wrestlers Category:1986 births Category:Living people