Seth Rollins has made reference to former faction ‘The Shield’ in his reaction to being named in first position of the 2023 Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 list.
The current WWE World Heavyweight Champion saw off competition from second placed Roman Reigns to top the respected list, whilst the selection of AEW’s Jon Moxley in third place ensured that all three former members of popular WWE stable ‘The Shield’ held positions on the podium.
The evaluation period for the 2023 list runs from July 1st, 2022 to July 31, 2023. The ranking is determined by a number of criteria including win-loss record, technical ability, influence on the sport, activity, quality of opposition, and diversity of opposition.
Rollins selection in first place sees him top the chart for a record-equalling third time having also been named as number one in 2015 and 2019. He becomes just the second man to claim the prize on three occasions following the success of John Cena in 2006,2007 and 2013.
Taking to social media site ‘X’ to offer his reaction, Rollins simply posted an iconic photo of the three members of The Shield ‘fist-bumping’.
— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) September 14, 2023
Rollins post paid tribute to Reigns and Moxley, who all debuted on the WWE main roster together at the 2012 edition of Survivor Series.
The trio had all been working in NXT prior to their bow at the much loved Premium Live Event and immediately made their mark as they interfered in a triple threat match for the WWE Championship, helping CM Punk to retain his title over John Cena and Ryback.
When Did The Shield Last Team Together?
With Moxley, known in WWE as Dean Ambrose, set to depart the company at the expiration of his contract, the group would team together for one final time on April 21st, 2019.
The bout against the team of Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin in Moline, Illinois was captured on camera for a WWE Network special entitled ‘The Shield’s Final Chapter’.