WWE Superstar Big E 'At Peace' If I Never Wrestle Again ... After Breaking Neck

071322_big_e_kal_1
BIG DEAL FOR BIG E
TMZSports.com

Big E doesn't know if he'll ever wrestle again after breaking his neck in March ... and that's perfectly okay with the WWE Superstar, who tells us he's "at peace" with the way his 13-year career played out.

The 36-year-old 8x tag team champ (WWE champ and 2x Intercontinental Champ, too) joined the TMZ Sports TV show (airs weeknights on FS1) ... where Mojo and Babcock asked the wrestler for a health update.

“I’m doing really well," E said.

"I can live my life pretty normally. But [my necks] not in a position where I should be ramming my head against other things, immovable objects. So wrestling doesn't make sense right now."

And, E says things could've turned out far different.

"I feel great. Don't have any nerve issues, don't have any weakness, don't have any atrophy. I got real lucky cause it could've been a lot worse."

E broke his neck in March when Ridge Holland attempted a belly-to-belly suplex. It wasn't just his career that was in doubt ... there was concern the injury could severely alter E's life.

Months later, the former champ tells us doctors are taking a "wait and see approach" with his recovery and will reevaluate his progress after the 1 year anniversary of the injury. Meaning fans of the near 300-pounder shouldn't expect to see him competing in a WWE ring anytime soon.

"For me right now, March of next year is very far off. So, I don’t want to spend a lot of time worrying or stressing about that. I’m just kind of living my life," E said.

"I’ve been with this company for 13 years. That means a lot of Saturdays and Sundays in Poughkeepsie and Kalamazoo and most random towns. But, now I get to live my life a little bit and see some friends and I’m enjoying just being human.”

We asked E if he'd be content if he was never able to wrestle again ... and ultimately, he believes the answer is yes.

"Yeah, I think so. Honestly, my philosophy as a human being is learning to be content with whatever life brings you. I'm so grateful to not be in a wheelchair, but if I was, I would have to adjust to life in a wheelchair. That's just how I am programmed."

E continued ... "If I spend hours or days or weeks kind of mourning where I'm at in life, and not being what I wanted to be, that doesn't serve me."

Although Big E has been trying to make the most of his newfound "free time" ... the star wrestler admits he's tired of being in the house, which is why he was thrilled Triple H asked him to be a part of a WWE tryout for college athletes in the days before SummerSlam on July 30.

Big E WWE Tryouts
CREATE THE CHARACTER
TMZSports.com

E -- who played college football at Iowa -- says he's interested to see if the athletes in attendance can make the transition to the WWE universe ... and hopes the tryout will yield the company's next generation of superstars.

Guess Who This Happy Kid Turned Into!

Before this trendy kid turned into a striking model and actor, he was just looking up to his three older siblings and growing up in New York City. With his auburn hair, this cutie has made iconic magazine appearances including Vogue.

He first stepped into the spotlight as a baby in the classic film "The Parent Trap." Years later, after filming a family reality show in 2008, he began dabbling in acting and took part in HBO Max's "Betty." His older sister was never a mean girl even though she was a member of 'The Plastics.'

Can you guess who he is?

Chris Evans & Ryan Gosling Raise Over $200K For Kids With Pediatric Cancer Red Carpet Date Fundraiser

UPDATE

11:59 AM PT -- 7/15 As promised, Lula and Mariah got some one on one time with Chris at Wednesday night's premiere ... snapping a pic with the star on the red carpet.

UPDATE

Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling’s latest sweepstakes is a massive success ... raising over $200k for charity and giving some lucky donors the opportunity of a lifetime.

Sources connected to the fundraising effort tell TMZ Chris and Ryan raised $276,444 for Christopher’s Haven, Inc., ... Evans' charity which offers temporary, low-cost housing for pediatric cancer patients and families while receiving treatment away from home in Boston.

As we've told you, the two actors teamed up with Omaze to help raise money for the org. Those who donated were entered into a drawing for the chance to get flown out to the premiere of their new movie "The Gray Man" for some serious movie star treatment.

We're told the winner selected was Lula H. and her daughter, Mariah, from Columbus, OH.

The two will enjoy an all-expense-paid flight, 4-star hotel stay and will get to join Chris at the red carpet premiere of "The Gray Man" with plenty photo ops with Chris and Ryan -- who both star in the movie.

Ana de Armas and Billy Bob Thornton are also in the flick, which drops July 22 on Netflix.

Enes Kanter Freedom Rips LeBron Over Griner Comments ... 'You Are Free To Leave'

"You are free to leave, buddy!"

That's Enes Kanter Freedom squarely rejecting LeBron James explanation for questioning whether Brittney Griner -- who's in a Russian jail cell on drug charges -- should even want to return to America.

James has been skewered by many in light of comments he made in a trailer for an upcoming episode of "The Shop," saying ... "Now, how can she feel like America has her back? I would be feeling like, 'Do I even want to go back to America?'"

Bron attempted to clarify Tuesday night, writing he "wasn’t knocking our beautiful country" ... but, it seems Kanter isn't buyin' it.

"You call it a step back, we call this a walk back," Enes said.

"You are free to leave buddy or you can even volunteer for an exchange for her."

The 30-year-old added, "Some people literally have NO idea what is it like to live in a dictatorship. Keep taking your freedom for granted."

062922_enes_kanter_kal
BRING BRITTNEY HOME
TMZSports.com

Of course, Freedom is outspoken when it comes to global issues affecting human rights ... in fact, he spoke with us recently where he called out NBA commish Adam Silver for pushing him to retire.

He also mentioned Griner ... saying the U.S. government needs to be more aggressive and understand that "human rights is above politics."

Brittney is facing up to 10 years in prison. She has not yet been sentenced.

Amber Heard Shut Down By Judge ... Sorry, No Jury Fraud Here

Amber Heard lost what may have been her best argument for a new trial ... because the judge has just slammed the gavel on her claim that one of the jurors committed fraud.

Amber's legal team had filed docs claiming one of the jurors actually took the summons from his father -- who shared the same name -- and got himself fraudulently empaneled. The father and son live together.

The judge didn't buy what Amber was selling, ruling there was no fraud because the summons did not include a birth date. What's unclear ... does the son's name have anything distinguishing him from his dad, like a "junior" or a "II" at the end. Whatever ... the judge said there was no fraud, suggesting either the father or son could have shown up for jury service.

What's more ... the judge said Amber's motion was sour grapes ... she could have made it much earlier, but the only reason she's doing it now is that she lost the case. In other words, she sat on her hands, so she gets no judicial relief.

060122_amber_heard_verdict_kal 6/1/22
RULING IN FAVOR OF DEPP

Amber also argued the $10 million compensatory damage award that Johnny Depp received was excessive. No surprise here, the judge turned thumbs down on Amber. There was testimony Johnny lost way more than that after his movie roles were pulled in the wake of Amber's defamatory Op-Ed in the Washington Post.

Short story ... Amber was shut down. She can still appeal but her chances of winning are slim to none.

NFL Sued Over Use Of 'Rocket 2 U' Song ... In 'SNF' Broadcast

The NFL is facing yet another lawsuit ... this time, musician Bobby Nunn says the league used his famous "Rocket 2 U" song during numerous broadcasts -- including a recent 2022 "Sunday Night Football" game -- but never compensated him for it.

In the suit, filed in New York on Wednesday and obtained by TMZ Sports, Nunn says the smash hit that he wrote and produced for the Jets back in 1988 was used without his permission multiple times by the NFL and NBC Universal.

Nunn specifically claims his song was played during the broadcast of the Packers vs. Vikings 'SNF' game on Jan. 3. In the docs, Nunn included a screen grab of the portion of the broadcast where he says the tune could be heard.

Nunn, who's perhaps most well known for his "She's Just a Groupie" song, claims the NFL never licensed the song to use it ... and says when he made contact with the league and its TV partner about it all, they denied infringement.

Nunn is asking for damages ... as well as for the league and NBC to stop using his song without his consent.

This is now at least the third time the NFL has been sued by a high-profile plaintiff in the last few months -- you'll recall, both Jon Gruden and Brian Flores are involved in lawsuits against The Shield as well.

We've reached out to the NFL for comment, but so far, no word back yet.

Nick Cannon I'd Get Back with Mariah ... We Belong Together!!!

071322_nick_cannon_kal_1
FOREVER FANTASY
The Hot Tee Podcast

No matter how many kids he helps create, Nick Cannon is making it clear ... Mariah Carey is his one and true love.

Nick was a guest on "The Hot Tee Talk Show" where he dove headfirst into the topic "Spin The Block" ... which asks about rekindling romance with exes. Without hesitation, Nick admitted if things "could be like they were" -- when he and Mariah were a fun-toting family -- he'd be all in for it.

He also laughed at the notion he still had a hall pass!!!

Mariah's currently dating her ex-backup dancer Bryan Tanaka -- but Nick and Mariah still co-parent their 11-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe ... so it was a valid question.

Nick's kinda busy himself on the daddy daycare front. He's currently on record as the father of 8 kids and number 9 is reportedly on the way.

A guy can dream though, right?

Offset & Takeoff Dos Party Migos at Rich The Kid's 30th!!!

071322_offset_takeoff_kal 7/12/22
AMIGOS WITH MIGOS

Offset and Takeoff are making sure Rich the Kid has a memorable milestone birthday -- turning up BIG with him in NYC, and giving us hope for a Migos reunion sooner than later.

Both Set and Takeoff were making it hurricane Tuesday night inside NYC's Club Motion as they jammed to RTK and Takeoff's "Crypto" single and Gunna's "poochie gown."

Quavo and Takeoff currently have a hit record with "HOTEL LOBBY (Unc & Phew)" and they recently bought matching Migos chains to rep their bond -- but as you can see from the party, Set and Take are also 2 peas in the Migos pod ... and they love to stunt!

RTK has another shindig in Vegas this weekend, and perhaps Quavo will be on board for those festivities.

The rapper/actor and his mother recently nabbed the GQ Hype cover, and discussed a wide range of topics ... including his Saweetie elevator incident. He said, "I don't like what people think. When they saw the elevator thing they thought it was abusive, something crazy."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Huncho also addressed his group's time apart, and said every one of the Migos had to "establish" themselves.

And by "establish," he clearly means getting lit for Summer '22!!! 🔥🔥🔥

George Foreman Two Women Are Extorting Me ... 'I Adamantly' Deny Their Sexual Abuse Allegations

Boxing legend George Foreman says two women have made up claims that he sexually abused them ... all in an effort to extort him out of millions of dollars.

Sources familiar with the matter tell TMZ Sports ... a lawsuit against Foreman is expected to be filed in L.A. this week by two women whose fathers apparently had a friendship and working relationship with Foreman decades ago.

The suit, according to our sources, is expected to allege that Foreman sexually abused the women in the 1970s.

But, Foreman said in a statement on Wednesday that the allegations are flat-out not true.

"Over the past six months," Foreman said, "two women have been trying to extort millions of dollars each from me and my family. They are falsely claiming that I sexually abused them over 45 years ago in the 1970s."

"I adamantly and categorically deny these allegations. The pride I take in my reputation means as much to me as my sports accomplishments, and I will not be intimidated by baseless threats and lies."

Our sources say Foreman believes the suit and the allegations in it are all part of "a coordinated extortion plot" in which the women have asked him since January to pay them $12.5 MILLION each.

"I am, and always will be, guided by my faith and trust in God," Foreman said. "I will work with my lawyers to fully and truthfully expose my accusers' scheme and defend myself in court. I don't pick fights, but I don't run away from them either."

Foreman -- a former two-time heavyweight champ who went on to create the George Foreman Grill -- piled up a 76-5 record in his boxing career. He reportedly has a net worth of around $300 million.

Britney Spears Runs Out of Gas on Freeway ... Cops Called to Help Her Out

Britney Spears was faced with a scary situation as she ran out of gas in the middle of one of L.A.'s busiest freeways ... and cops were called to get her to safety.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they got a call around 10 PM Tuesday for a report of a white Mercedes blocking the third lane southbound on the 101, just north of Balboa Blvd. Officers say when they responded Britney was seated in the backseat of a passerby's vehicle.

We're told Britney informed officers she ran out of gas while driving, and her car quit in the middle of the freeway.

Once the California Highway Patrol got traffic stopped, an officer got in the driver's seat of Britney's Mercedes to steer while she sat in the passenger's seat and the vehicle was pushed to safety.

Cops say Britney thanked the officers and said she was ok ... officers waited with her until her husband, Sam Asghari, came to pick her up.

Frank Ocean Wigging Out at the Airport!!!

071322_frank_ocean_kal
WIGGIN' OUT
TMZ.com

A rare sighting of Frank Ocean for ya here ... although he tried to keep things low-key, his choice in majestic headwear might have actually drawn even more attention to him.

We spotted the reclusive singer Tuesday at LAX, where he stepped out of his car wearing a wig and a face mask -- good effort, but our photog recognized him all the same.

We asked him a bunch of questions -- about the wig, and his recent revelation that he micro-doses LSD. Not shockingly, he didn't have much to say. But, you really gotta see the hair ... it's kinda the latest craze in R&B. Think Anderson .Paak in Silk Sonic.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Regardless of fashion choices, this rare Frank Ocean sighting and his recent drops on Apple Music aren’t a coincidence.

Frank just celebrated the 10th anniversary of his classic album "Channel Orange" with two new "Blonded" Radio episodes, where he plugged his love for psychedelics. He's also gearing up -- at his own pace -- to headline the 2023 Coachella stage, so you know his return is coming.

It's just a matter of when he's ready to speak on it.

'Love Is Blind' Jeremy Hartwell NETFLIX HAD US DRUNK, STARVED, SLEEP-DEPRIVED ... And Paid Us Like Crap!!!

"Love is Blind" contestant Jeremy Hartwell says the producers behind the Netflix reality show plied contestants with booze, deprived them of food and water, and paid them less than minimum wage ... and now he's suing.

Jeremy, who appeared on season two of the popular reality dating show, is going after Netflix, production company Kinetic Content and casting company Delirium TV with a class action lawsuit.

According to the suit, obtained by TMZ, the show manufactured drama by forcing the contestants to film while they were drunk, starved, sleep-deprived and underpaid.

Jeremy claims the only drinks regularly provided to the cast were alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, soft drinks and mixers ... he says water was strictly limited during long days on set.

He claims producers would sometimes even withhold hotel room keys so contestants couldn't get sleep, while directing hotel staff not to provide the cast with food.

Jeremy says the combination of sleep deprivation, isolation, lack of food, and an excess of alcohol contributed to inhumane working conditions on the show ... and says it made cast members hungry for social connections, altering their emotions and decision-making.

In the show, contestants go to separate pods to meet their dates, flirting and conversing through speakers while unable to see the other person. In order to meet in person, two contestants have to first get engaged.

Jeremy says he left the show feeling like a zombie and realized he was open to emotional manipulation during production.

As for the pay scale ... Jeremy says producers paid the cast a flat rate of $1,000 per week and forced them to work up to 20 hours a day, 7 days a week, working out to as little as $7.14 an hour ... well below L.A. County's $15 minimum wage.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Jeremy, who wants more contestants from 'Love Is Blind' and other reality shows to join his class action suit, is going after Netflix, Kinetic and Delirium for money, and he wants them hit with civil penalties for labor code violations.

We reached out to Kinetic Content ... so far no word back.

Ex-Broncos DB Brendan Langley Airport Assault Case Dismissed

052322_airport_fight_kal_1
TERMINAL TENSION

Former Denver Broncos defensive back Brendan Langley is breathing easier today ... his airport assault case has been dismissed, TMZ Sports has learned.

According to a court official, the case was dropped on Wednesday.

Langley's attorney, Halim Dhanidina, tells us the reasoning is because officials determined Langley "used force that was reasonably necessary" during the now-famous May altercation at Newark Liberty International Airport.

"We are grateful for the Court’s decision which puts an end to this ordeal that began nearly two months ago when Mr. Langley was assaulted then wrongfully arrested and charged for exercising his rights under the law," said Dhanidina, who works for Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP.

As we reported, Langley was initially arrested and charged with simple assault after he socked a United Airlines employee during a May 19 argument at the airport's ticket counter.

Langley -- who hit the guy so many times, he forced him to bleed -- said afterward through his attorney that he was simply defending himself. Langley's rep told us that the United employee had harassed the former NFL player, called him names, and got physical first.

Langley, a Broncos third-round draft pick in 2017, had just signed on to play wide receiver for the Calgary Stampeders, who initially decided to suspend him indefinitely over the fight. No word yet if they're now reinstating him following Wednesday's decision in court.

The United employee, meanwhile, was fired shortly after the incident.

MTV 'Jersey Shore 2.0' Production Halted ... Trouble on The Shore!!!

More trouble for MTV and its new 'Jersey Shore' project, as things have already come to a halt less than a week after production started ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to "Jersey Shore 2.0" tell us the new cast of housemates was ready to let loose in Atlantic City -- a house was already fitted with cameras, lighting and a security guard -- when everything suddenly came to a stop.

We've spoken with multiple people connected to the show who say one of the only explanations to pull the plug so suddenly would be an issue with the cast, either they just don't vibe or there was a behavioral issue. We are being told by one source production details are being worked out.

What's more, we got photos outside of the home from Friday showing black SUVs and the production equipment, but over the weekend, our sources say it was all packed up and taken away. So, whatever went wrong, it was sudden.

MTV will only confirm production has been "paused."

What's interesting ... MTV still hasn't announced who was going to be on "Jersey Shore 2.0" -- which is supposed to feature a younger crew than the OGs of Snooki, Pauly D, The Situation, JWoww, Vinny, Deena and Angelina.

Speaking of the OGs, they're probably pretty thrilled '2.0' has hit the skids ... they've made it VERY clear, they hate the concept.

When MTV announced the new venture, the 'Jersey Shore' stars bashed the network, saying, "... we are not in support of a version that will exploit our original show, our hard work and authenticity to gain viewers."

We're told that statement issued by the original stars has nothing to do with the pause in production.

Sofia Vergara & Joe Manganiello Bev Hills Estate Hits the Market

Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello are selling their old digs in Beverly Hills for something bigger and better in the same area ... but first, they're looking to sell their current spectacular estate for close to $20 million.

The "America's Got Talent" judge and her hubby just put their 7-bedroom home, complete with a brand-spankin' new chef's kitchen on the market for $19.6 million ... a nice possible profit for the pair considering Sofia bought the place for $10.6 million in 2014.

Our real estate sources tell us Joe and Sofia put a bunch of money into renovating the home, which features over 11,000 sq ft of living space, and has soaring ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.

Not to mention, it's got a full-sized gym, pool with a spa, movie theater and even a wine room to store plenty of bottles.

As for their plan moving forward ... we're told the couple's been renovating a bigger home in the area for a couple years now that's almost at completion, so that'll be where they call home next.

Barry Peele of Sotheby's International Realty holds the listing.

Little League Baseball Gunshots Erupt At Game ... Teams Withdraw From Tournament

Horrifying moment on a Little League baseball diamond over the weekend ... gunshots rang out near the field, sending kids and coaches running for cover.

The terrifying scene happened on Sunday in North Carolina ... when South Durham's 8U Orange All-Star team and Wilmington's 8U Machine Pitch squad were playing at the Gillette Athletic Complex in Wilson, NC.

Video shows three gunshots -- appearing to be VERY close to the action on the field -- went off, forcing the 7 and 8-year-old players, along with coaches, umps, parents and spectators to hit the ground and sprint away in a panic.

Thankfully, cops say no one was hurt in the incident ... though, according to WITN, a minivan's window that was parked near the field was struck by the gunfire.

Despite everyone making it out physically unscathed, the two teams have since pulled out of the tournament -- with South Durham officials saying it was best for the kids.

"It was a terrifying situation for all involved," the team said in a statement. "Video shows coaches bravely covering players with their bodies and crawling off baseball fields."

"No child or parent should ever experience anything like this."

The Wilson Police Department, meanwhile, said in a statement that it is investigating the shooting ... but added there's currently "no evidence that this situation was an active shooter incident."

"The Wilson Police Department, at this time, has no evidence that anyone at the location was intentionally targeted by gunfire."