WWE News: Kurt Angle to replace Roman Reigns after major changes were made to TLC
WWE has just announced that major changes are being made to the TLC 2017 pay-per-view to be aired this Sunday. Roman Reigns, who recently reunited with Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins as the Shield is being replaced by Monday Night Raw General Manager Kurt Angle, in what is set to be his first match since returning to the WWE.
Another change will see Finn Balor as the Demon King Vs Bray Wyatt as Sister Abigail match being replaced with a bout against AJ Styles. Styles is coming over from SmackDown LIVE to face Balor.
The WWE made the announcement via their website, stating that the changes were being made due to 'medical issues'.
Due to medical issues impacting two WWE Superstars scheduled to appear at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, streaming live on WWE Network this Sunday, the special event will now feature Kurt Angle competing in a WWE ring for the first time in more than 11 years, as he replaces Roman Reigns. In addition, former WWE Champion AJ Styles will replace Bray Wyatt and face “The Demon” Finn Bálor.
Earlier, we reported that several changes were set to be made to the TLC card because of a spate of viral meningitis that was affecting several superstars. Bo Dallas, Bray Wyatt and Jojo Offerman had been off the television because of the illness, but it was reported that several other superstars may be affected, putting TLC's scheduled matches in doubt.
The main event was supposed to be the big ring return for the popular WWE faction, The Shield. With there being weeks of build up between Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns vs The Miz, The Bar (Cesaro and Sheamus), Braun Strowman and Kane.
But now, Reigns is unable to compete at the pay-per-view. He has been replaced by Kurt Angle in his first match inside a WWE ring in over 11 years. Whilst the loss of the Shield reunion storyline is a big blow to the TLC pay-per-view, Kurt Angles much-anticipated return to the ring more than makes up for it.
A WWE Hall of Famer and the current General Manager of Raw, Angle will join forces with Raw Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose to battle the daunting combination of Braun Strowman, Intercontinental Champion The Miz, Cesaro, Sheamus and The Big Red Machine Kane in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs 5-on-3 Handicap Match.
It looks like Bray Wyatt has not recovered from his illness during his time away from live tapings and house shows and won't be at the pay-per-view. Hence, we'll have to wait for the wrestling debut of 'Sister Abigail'.
As a result, we've been given a dream match between AJ Styles and Finn Balor which is sure to be excellent, although it remains to be seen if Balor is still going to debut his 'Demon King' persona.
The showdown between “The Demon” and Styles is one that the WWE Universe has been wanting for a long time and promises to be one of the most exciting matches of 2017.
We'll have more on this breaking story as soon as it becomes available.
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