The Unseen Script: Big E's WWE Journey and the Fragility of Storytelling
There’s something profoundly human about the way stories in professional wrestling are told—and untold. When Big E recently revealed that he was originally slated to win back the WWE World Title before his career-ending injury, it wasn’t just a behind-the-scenes tidbit; it was a reminder of how fragile narratives can be in a world where the line between reality and spectacle is constantly blurred. Personally, I think this revelation is more than just a footnote in wrestling history—it’s a window into the larger dynamics of creativity, control, and unpredictability that define the industry.
The Title That Wasn’t
Big E’s journey with the WWE World Title is a masterclass in the unpredictability of wrestling storytelling. Winning the title in September 2021 felt like a culmination of years of hard work and fan adoration. But losing it to Brock Lesnar just months later? That felt rushed, almost anticlimactic. What makes this particularly fascinating is the revelation that the original plan was for Big E to drop the title to Seth Rollins, only to reclaim it in a WrestleMania rematch. From my perspective, this would have been a poetic arc—a hero’s journey complete with a triumphant return. But wrestling, like life, rarely follows the script.
What many people don’t realize is how fluid these storylines are. Big E’s interview highlights the chaos behind the scenes: Vince McMahon’s last-minute changes, the addition of multiple stars to the title picture, and the eventual derailment due to injuries and illnesses. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about a title match—it’s about the delicate balance between creative vision and logistical reality. The WWE Championship isn’t just a belt; it’s a symbol of storytelling, and when the story changes, so does its meaning.
The Butterfly Effect of Wrestling
One thing that immediately stands out is how small decisions can have massive ripple effects. Roman Reigns getting sick, Bobby Lashley being inserted into the mix, and Big E’s career-ending injury—each of these moments altered the trajectory of the title scene. In my opinion, this is where wrestling’s magic lies: in its ability to adapt, even when the stakes are highest. But it also raises a deeper question: How much control do the wrestlers themselves have over their narratives?
Big E’s story is a stark reminder that even the most meticulously planned storylines can crumble in an instant. What this really suggests is that wrestling isn’t just about the matches—it’s about the human stories behind them. The fact that Big E’s WrestleMania rematch never happened isn’t just a missed opportunity for him; it’s a missed opportunity for fans who were invested in his journey.
The Psychology of Unfulfilled Potential
A detail that I find especially interesting is how wrestling fans process unfulfilled storylines. We’re not just watching matches; we’re investing emotionally in characters and arcs. When a story like Big E’s gets cut short, it leaves a void—a ‘what if’ that lingers long after the final bell. This isn’t unique to wrestling, of course. Think about any great story that was left unfinished: it haunts us because it reminds us of the impermanence of our own narratives.
From a psychological standpoint, this is where wrestling intersects with our deepest desires for resolution. We want to see heroes triumph, villains get their comeuppance, and stories reach their logical conclusions. When that doesn’t happen, it forces us to confront the unpredictability of life itself. Personally, I think this is why Big E’s revelation resonates so deeply—it’s not just about a title; it’s about the stories we tell ourselves and the endings we crave.
The Broader Implications for WWE
If there’s one thing this saga highlights, it’s the need for WWE to strike a better balance between long-term storytelling and short-term flexibility. Big E’s case isn’t an isolated incident; it’s part of a larger pattern of abrupt changes and unfulfilled arcs. In my opinion, this is where WWE could learn from other forms of entertainment. Television shows, for example, often have contingency plans for character exits or unexpected events. Wrestling, with its live format and high-stakes narratives, could benefit from a similar approach.
What this really suggests is that WWE needs to prioritize sustainability in its storytelling. While last-minute changes are inevitable, there’s a difference between adapting and abandoning. Big E’s story could have been handled differently—perhaps by giving him a meaningful send-off or finding ways to honor his legacy post-injury. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity, both for him and for the fans.
Final Thoughts: The Stories We Carry
As I reflect on Big E’s journey, I’m struck by how much it mirrors the human experience. We all have stories we wish we could rewrite, moments we wish we could reclaim. Wrestling, at its best, captures this tension between what is and what could have been. Big E’s unfulfilled title reign isn’t just a footnote in WWE history—it’s a testament to the resilience of both the performer and the fans who believed in him.
In the end, what matters isn’t the title itself, but the story it represents. And while Big E may never hold the WWE World Title again, his story will endure. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest narratives are the ones that leave us wondering what could have been.
