Don’t let Big E’s size fool you; he’s one of the swiftest Superstars in WWE today. The 290-pounder holds national squat, bench-press and deadlift powerlifting marks, but he’s as light on his feet as a cruiserweight.
“I always considered myself to be an athlete. I actually held the vertical record for defensive tackles at the University of Iowa for several years. My leaping ability is something I pride myself on. I actually was able to dunk a basketball in middle school despite being sub-6-feet.”
The former Intercontinental Champion tore both of his ACLs and broke his right patella during his college football career. The ensuing eight to nine months of rehab for each injury taught him to persevere and keep the right frame of mind.
He’s not superstitious, but Big E does like to clear his head and get loose by jumping around backstage. That leaping ability and general quick-footedness came from the most unconventional of sources, he says.
“Many years ago, I went to a magic shop and I did some things I’m not proud of, but I got to where I’m at. That’s good enough.”
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