WWE’s Kofi Kingston Claims Big E Was Originally Supposed To Be In The Shield

Arguably the most dominant force in WWE in the last decade, The SHIELD made household names out of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose. But according to Kofi Kingston, Big E was also initially considered for the group.

Speaking with Rick Ucchino of Sportskeeda Wrestling, Kingston said the following:

"Big E will tell the story a lot better, but long-story-short, he was actually supposed to be in the Shield a long time ago, way way back when they were trying to pick people from FCW to come up. So Roman gets the call, Roman goes off, builds himself and does all these incredible things and incredible run with The Shield. Roman is Roman and also Big E has done some incredible things and [shown] some incredible growth… now, everyone loves Big E, so there's a big journey there too.”

CM Punk has gone on record in saying that he originally pitched The SHIELD as Rollins, Ambrose, and Kassius Ohno (Chris Hero), but WWE wanted Reigns in the Ohno role instead. If Kingston’s claims are indeed true, then it can be assumed, that Big E was initially earmarked for Reigns’ spot in the faction.