Big E Claims He Almost Debuted Alongside The Shield In WWE

How Big E almost ended up debuting with Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose in WWE.

Big E The Shield
WWE

WWE's latest 24 documentary special was focused on current Intercontinental Champion Big E. Uploaded to the Network was night, it was a typically strong production from a team that rarely misfires with these shows, bringing a number of revelations on the New Day man's pro wrestling career.

Perhaps the biggest of these is that E almost debuted alongside The Shield on WWE's main roster.

Speaking on the 24 special, E said that WWE had put thought into debuting him, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns as a group, but ultimately went with the trio instead (h/t Fightful for the transcription):-

Advertisement
"My first feeling of getting called up was 2012. I was doing loops. Any collective period of days is a loop. It's Roman [Reigns], Seth [Rollins], Dean [Ambrose], and me. There was some thought of bringing all four of us in together as a group. Obviously, that changes, they go on to international fame as The Shield. I was told, 'You're going to be with Dolph and AJ, on your very first night, you're going to attack John Cena.' I'm thinking, 'Man, this is it.'"

The Shield's hugely successful main roster run began at Survivor Series 2012, when they interfered in the night's main event, kickstarting an incredible surge that eventually saw them split in 2014, with all three members eventually becoming World Champions in the aftermath.

E, meanwhile, ended up debuting on the Raw in December 2012, jumping Cena to align with Ziggler and Lee. He is currently in the midst of his most significant singles push since his first run as Intercontinental Title in 2013/14.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.