WWE star labelled 'racist' for breaking fellow wrestler's neck during botched move

A WWE star says he has received death threats for accidentally breaking a fellow wrestler's neck.

He also revealed that he has been called 'racist' over the incident.

While appearing on SmackDown in March of 2022, Ridge Holland went to perform a belly-to-belly suplex on his fellow WWE superstar Big E.

But in an unfortunate series of events, the move went horribly wrong and BIg E ended up landed squarely on his neck in the area outside of the ring.

Without the support of the ring's softer canvas, the fall resulted in Big E breaking his neck – an injury which could have killed him, according to medical staff.

Big E was rushed the hospital on a stretcher and is continuing his recovery.

12 months on, Holland has opened up on the incident, revealed that he'd been called 'racist' in the aftermath.

"Death threats. Threats to my family. Lobbying for me to lose my job. Being labelled as racist. Great stuff keep ‘em coming," Holland tweeted.

The wrestling community rallied behind Ridge in the comments section of his post.

WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin tweeted: "Stay strong, Ridge! We know your heart."

Wrestler Flash Morgan Webster said: "You’re honestly one of the nicest and most caring guys around. This app is absolute trash some of the time. But It doesn’t reflect real life or the opinions of the people who know you. Keep you chin up big man, big love."

While a fan added: "There’s no excuse for death threats. They should be held accountable. You and your family don’t deserve it."

Speaking TMZ recently, Big E spoke about his future in the sport and whether he'll ever return to the ring

He said: "Right now, before I know anything, I'm not going to make any rush to judgments or anything. See how everything looks.

"I gotta see what the scans say, talk to doctors, and then go from there."

Big E added: "Everything isn't permanent. If it comes to an end, cool. If it doesn't, cool. What will be, will be. I'm good with whatever."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Instagram/WWE/Big E

Topics: Wrestling, WWE, WWE Smackdown

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry