Big E is lucky to be alive ... the WWE superstar says he learned he could've died after he was dropped on his head during a recent wrestling match, suffering a broken neck.
E, who's real name is Ettore Ewen, made the stunning revelation on Twitter, saying, "Had my first doctor’s appointment and learning (because of the C1 fracture) I narrowly escaped a stroke, paralysis or death is very sobering."
"Life feels even more precious and valuable now."
The former WWE champ sustained the horrific injury after his opponent, Ridge Holland, botched a belly-to-belly suplex attempt on the near 300-pounder.