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What’s the story?
The Shield featured on a recent edition of Table For 3, opening up on myriad topics.
The Shield pioneers ergo Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns revealed a secret fourth member of their group—a veteran who helped them backstage.
In case you didn’t know…
The Shield made their WWE main roster debut back in 2012 and disbanded in ’14 after Rollins turned on Ambrose and Reigns.
The Hounds of Justice reunited earlier this year, and are set to compete in a program alongside one another. However, given Reigns’ hiatus due to the mumps, a certain King and Olympic gold medalist have been playing substitute, competing as part of the Shield at WWE live events and PPVs.
The heart of the matter
Seth Rollins opened up on Joey Mercury’s pioneering role with The Shield, and stated: “I was talking to an old mentor of ours, Joey Mercury, the other day…I miss Joey a lot too (and) I love him so much; (a) very, actually, integral part of The Shield.”
“He should maybe be the fourth seat (at the Table For 3 dining table) because he was the behind-the-scenes Shield brother.”
Furthermore, Reigns asserted that it was Mercury who taught the Shield to have each others’ back; walk the hallways, sit in catering and travel together, so as to let the rest of the locker room know that the group is a legitimate unit. Besides, the Big Dog also jested that Ambrose would often have to sleep on the floor when they travelled together—something that he owes the Lunatic Fringe for.
Additionally, Reigns explained that the Shield initially leaned on one another, and once they earned success in singles competition as well, the entire roster now leans on them. The Big Dog emphasised that WWE bosses Vince McMahon and Triple H always seek locker room leaders like that.
What’s next?
Roman Reigns is presently recovering from mumps and is expected to return sooner rather than later. On the other hand, Rollins and Ambrose hold the RAW Tag Team Championships.
Author’s take
Well, it’s hard to disagree with the Shield here, given that Joey Mercury was indeed a vital part of the group behind-the-scenes.
It’s great to see these young stars give credit where it’s due, and who knows, perhaps we may one day see Mercury officially compete as part of the Shield. After all, a certain man in charge does know the business like the back of his hand.
