The True Story Behind The Creation Of The Shield

This is perhaps surprising if you believe former WWE writer Kevin Eck, who in an interview with PWTorch explained that Ambrose was always seen as the guy the company was going to push as a singles star.

“Dean was seen as the guy who was most ready at that point to come in and assume a singles role. He was seen as the best promo, [and having] the most in-ring experience. He was seen as ready-made.” 

Reigns by contrast was a reasonably successful American Football player, and really only turned to wrestling when he failed to make a name for himself on the gridiron.

He signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2010, his first venture into the world of professional wrestling.

What many will not be aware of is that Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose was not the original line-up, or that is if both Eck and CM Punk are to be believed.

In a blog-post for Press Box Online, Eck revealed that Reigns was never meant to be a part of the trio and that Chris Hero – or Kassius Ohno – was set to be the third member.

Punk, went one further during his appearance on Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling podcast by saying the idea of The Shield was actually his idea, and one that WWE stole.  

Punk explained that he had been approached with the idea of heading a new stable, one which would include the Big Show and Daniel Bryan. Punk rejected the idea, and instead suggested he lead a trio from NXT, immediately suggesting Rollins, Ambrose and Hero.

• real story
• Debut
• the shield
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