Big E breaks neck during "Friday Night SmackDown' after botched suplex

Zac Al-Khateeb

Big E breaks neck during "Friday Night SmackDown' after botched suplex image

This story has been updated from a previous version.

WWE Superstar Big E was involved in a scary accident during Friday's episode of "Friday Night Smackdown" — one that required medical personnel to stretcher him out of the arena.

The New Day — Big E and Kofi Kingston — were taking on Sheamus and Ridge Holland when Holland and Big E ended up outside the ring; Holland attempted a belly-to-belly suplex on Big E but was unable to get a full rotation, causing Big E to land on his head.

Warning: Graphic content below.

Cameras briefly lingered on Big E before cutting away. Video taken from the Legacy Arena BJCC in Birmingham, Ala. (location of Friday's "Smackdown" show) showed Big E being stretchered out. He appeared to give a thumbs up on his way out.

The match ended shortly after Big E's injury, with Holland and Sheamus winning via pinfall on Kingston.

Update: Big E later released a video from what appears to be a hospital bed. Wearing a neck brace, he said in the video that he broke his neck in the accident, but is still able to move his fingers in his hand (which he demonstrated). He appeared to be in good spirits:

Zac Al-Khateeb

Zac Al-Khateeb Photo

Zac Al-Khateeb has been part of The Sporting News team since 2015 after earning his Bachelor's (2013) and Master's (2014) degrees in journalism at the University of Alabama. Prior to joining TSN, he covered high school sports and general news in Alabama. A college sports specialist, Zac has been a voter for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy since 2020.