Former WWE Champion Big E has revealed he was once considered alongside Roman Reigns as a potential breakout star during the early stages of their main roster careers.
Although WWE ultimately chose to build the company around Roman Reigns, Big E says he believes the promotion made the right decision.
Speaking on Notsam Wrestling, Big E recalled being told around 2013 that WWE officials were debating whether he or Reigns would become the company’s next heavily promoted young star.
“At one point the rumor I was getting from one of the writers was, and they definitely made the right decision, but at the time I was told there was kind of a choice, around 2013, it was kind of Roman or me as far as the next young guy they really wanted to push,” Big E said.
Looking back more than a decade later, the former WWE Champion admitted there was little doubt the company made the correct choice.
“It’s very clear Roman was the right choice.”
Rather than expressing disappointment, Big E said the story highlighted how creative discussions can change behind the scenes before they ever reach television.
Big E Says The Original Plan For His WWE Championship Reign Looked Very Different
The former New Day member also reflected on another major change to WWE’s plans, revealing that his WWE Championship reign had originally been scheduled to follow a very different path.
According to Big E, the initial plan was for him to lose the WWE Championship to Seth Rollins at Day 1, then regain the title at WrestleMania 38. However, those plans changed when Roman Reigns was unable to compete due to illness, leading to Brock Lesnar being added to the WWE Championship match and ultimately capturing the title.
While neither scenario played out as originally discussed, Big E’s comments provide another insight into the creative process behind WWE programming and how quickly long-term plans can evolve.
