The Shield is considered to be one of the greatest factions in the history of WWE, as they achieved immense success in a very short period of time. Not just as a stable, but the individual success Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose obtained after it adds additional value to this group’s legacy in the industry.
As soon as this modern-day faction made its debut in the Stamford-based promotion, they were able to put the world on notice. Be it the aura they carried or the kind of aggression each member had, everything about them was just perfect. But the WWE Universe hates 1 Vince McMahon idea that made their early wrestling gear less intimidating.
In their initial days, as a stable in the Triple H-led promotion, The Shield used to wear face masks. But the former CEO, Mr. McMahon, decided to drop it from their gear, as he felt that it wasn’t the best thing for them. As the mask used to hide their faces, Kennedy decided to remove it from their gear in the organization.
Vince McMahon hated the The Shield’s masks and banned them almost instantly due to the fact you couldn’t see their faces pic.twitter.com/0N5pc6Oey4
Even though the faction was able to achieve almost everything possible in the company, things could have been different if the mask was still there. Looking at the way fans loved it and the kind of success it could have achieved in terms of its sales, the decision to remove the mask also took a toll on the financial profits WWE could have achieved.
The Shield suffered due to Vince McMahon’s decision
Vince McMahon decided to remove the mask from The Shield’s early wrestling gear, and the faction suffered due to it, as it made them look less intimidating. Fans probably also feel the same way, as they’ve been sharing such responses to this revelation. Talking about this, a fan from the professional wrestling audience said, “Worst decision ever.” (Via: X)
Pointing out how this was surely a mistake, someone commented, “This to me was the biggest fumble.” “The masks made them more vicious,” another WWE Universe member wrote while sharing how the mask thing made the group’s entrance look really great, and it should have continued to be a part of their gear.
Vince McMahon was about to make another huge blunder with The Shield
While fans have showcased their disappointment over Mr. McMahon‘s decision to remove the faction’s mask, that’s not all. In fact, Vince McMahon was about to make another huge blunder with The Shield even before the stable made their debut on the main roster.
As revealed by former WWE Champion Big E, he was originally supposed to be a part of this historic faction, and that too in the place of Roman Reigns. The New Day star shared this during an interview with Cincy360, as he disclosed that he was originally supposed to play Reigns’ persona in this high-profile trio.
Big E reveals that he was originally considered to be in The Shield:
“I think it worked out the best for all of us. I couldn’t fathom now being a part of The Shield. I’m sure it would’ve been fun. I’m sure it would’ve been enjoyable. I think it was really best for Roman to be in… pic.twitter.com/oiyGEeb0Ul
Looking at the kind of success Roman achieved as a part of the group, it’s safe to say that it would have been a blunder. But, as it didn’t turn into reality, The Shield was able to make an impact in the Triple H-led promotion. On the other hand, Big E Langston also achieved a lot throughout his career in the company, so the decision probably helped both parties, as they established their own special reputation in the industry.
Jashan here. I currently work as a Senior Writer in the WWE team at Sportsmanor. I have been writing professionally for 3+ years covering niches such as Education, Technology, etc. But, my journey with Sportsmanor started in July 2023, and it's been going spectacularly well.