Fans had small expectations for Big E, whose work in the ring was as hazy as a chalk cloud until recently. While the NXT program is beloved for its characters and wrestling, it gets very little exposure (hence, is a great place for wrestlers to develop their craft). Just over a year ago, Big E debuted on the main roster as Dolph Ziggler's protector. He did a fantastic job of looking eerily calm amidst the roiling sea that was AJ and her Ziggy. When the occasion called for it usually a mixed-gender or 6-man tag match - Big E could bust out some sweet moves. His belly-to-belly suplex looks extra explosive because of his barrel-like girth, and The Big Ending is a great, definitive finish. I like that it doesn't involved any throwing or raising the opponent over his head, because it really opens up who he can do the finish on. It can be a really big guy, and still look devastating. By the closing credits of SummerSlam, it was time for Big E to move on from the nest he'd feathered with Dolph and AJ. But instead of suffering from limited exposure to the ring, Big E had clearly made the most of what time he did spend there. He's quick, which is not always a trait of someone so strong. He's not completely impenetrable - as proven when Fandango recently worked on his arm enough to make it look like a victory was in jeopardy. He showed in a U.S. Title match against Dean Ambrose that he can hang with more seasoned grapplers, and the company's confidence in him is evident, now that he's got the Intercontinental Title around his waist.
Follow me @kickyhick :) I hold a degree in English Rhetoric & Professional Writing from the University of Waterloo in Canada. I've done technical writing, executive presentations, and recruiting materials for BlackBerry, and I write for non-profit organizations. My favourite project so far has been combining my passion for writing with being a die-hard wrestling fan. It's a pleasure to write here for WhatCulture, and also for TJRwrestling.com.
