Kurt Angle talks about The Shield and the oft-memed photo of him smiling when he got the opportunity to team with them at TLC 2017.
TLC 2017 was an event that was surrounded by an unusual set of circumstances. A viral infection forced major names to be off the card and on a show that was supposed to feature the first shield match in more than three years, Roman Reigns was off the card and Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose were paired with Kurt Angle, the acting Raw General Manager at the time.
Kurt Angle, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose would end up wrestling the hodgepodge team of Cesaro, Sheamus, Kane, Braun Strowman, and The Miz.
For this role, the Olympic gold medalist suited up in riot gear and at the end of the match delivered Roman Reigns a portion of the Triple Powerbomb for the victory. However, it is the very beginning of the match that is often remembered.
Kurt Angle entered the arena through the audience, in typical Shield fashion, and can be seen in many photos beaming from ear-to-ear Over the opportunity he was getting to team with The Shield. This was also the first time Kurt Angle would be competing in a WWE ring since his return earlier that year.
Speaking about this opportunity and on a recent Q&A session on AdFree Shows, Kurt Angle says that he couldn't help himself from marking out over teaming with the legendary faction.
“Yeah, I was marking out I was a fanboy. I was with The Shield up in the crowd and I'm like, ‘Holy shit. This is great. I'm actually part of The Shield tonight.’ I was all smiles even all the way in the ring. It's just so much fun. You know, those guys, I've had a lot of respect for them over the years and the success they had was unparalleled. They're one of the best factions in the history of wrestling, and to be a part of that one night was just a huge honor."
Of course, that pairing was a one-night-only deal on TV but they did reunite on live events. Kurt Angle would end up wrestling a few more times before retiring at WrestleMania 35 against Baron Corbin. Speaking about that match, Baron Corbin would say he relished the jeers he received that night in MetLife Stadium. Learn more here.
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