Big E explains why he has high praise for former Nexus member Michael Tarver.
Long before it was a prominent third brand in WWE’s programming schedule, NXT combined wrestling with a reality competition show. In its first season, stars like Bryan Danielson (renamed Daniel Bryan) and Wade Barrett got their first chances to shine in a WWE ring, and the contestants of season one eventually went on to form The Nexus.
Speaking in a new interview with the UnDrafted AllStarz Podcast Show, former WWE Champion Big E opened up about his admiration for former Nexus member Michael Tarver. When asked which wrestlers helped him improve his overall repertoire, the New Day member had this to say:
“There’s a dude, people don’t give him enough love, but Michael Tarver. He was on ‘NXT’ back in the day. He was a dude who sat me down early in my career and really explained to me the mentality that I needed in the ring. A lot of people tell you about moves, but he was the first person to sit me down and talk about the psychology and how I need to carry myself and being larger than life, so I always give a ton of props to him.” (h/t WrestlingInc)
When Did Big E Last Wrestle In WWE?
Big E has been out of action since breaking his neck on the March 11th, 2022 episode of SmackDown. On that occasion, the star was teaming with fellow New Day member Kofi Kingston to take on Sheamus and Ridge Holland of the Brawling Brutes.
The injury did not require surgery, and while Big E says he feels in great condition, his in-ring future is still up in the air as he wants to make the best decision for his long-term health. Doctors have previously advised Big E not to return to wrestling due to the nature of his injury.