10 Wrestlers You Won't Believe Almost Joined Major Stables

8. Kassius Ohno - The Shield

Jindrak Evolution
WWE.com

The Shield will likely go down as one of the most impressive stables in WWE history, such was their impact on the modern product. The group shot Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose to prominence, with each man becoming a genuine main eventer following their 2014 split, but WWE's current landscape may look very different had WWE gone with CM Punk's original suggestion for the group's composition.

Punk claimed that The Shield was his idea during his incendiary appearance on Colt Cabana's podcast after leaving WWE in 2014. Vince McMahon and Triple H both liked the suggestion, and when they asked who 'The Voice Of The Voiceless' had in mind, he pitched Ambrose, Rollins, and Kassius Ohno. Hunter reportedly shot down Ohno immediately, suggesting Reigns instead. Punk chose not to argue, and in came Roman, who has since become the hierarchy's new golden boy.

Ohno remained in developmental until his 2013 release, but was brought back to NXT earlier this year. WWE would've probably found a way to make Roman a star regardless, but it's interesting to think how the supremely talented Ohno's career may have panned out had he been placed in The Shield's spotlight.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.