WWE 'TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs' News: Kurt Angle Replaces Roman Reigns; Suspected Viral Meningitis Cases Decimate Raw Roster
Roman Reigns was replaced in the WWE "TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs" pay-per-view event, due to medical issues. Kurt Angle, general manager for Raw, stepped in to fill the gap as a viral infection makes its rounds in the Raw locker rooms.
The news has been announced by WWE just days before the event, in an update that they presented, as the return of Kurt Angle to the WWE ring for the first time in 11 years. That's more than a decade he's been out, and fans are understandably worried
"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 announcement, released last Oct. 20, read, referring to Reigns and Bray Watt.
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"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," the statement continued, as quoted by USA Today.
Early reports on social media cited viral meningitis as the reason why the WWE Raw roster was looking bare as the weekend pay-per-view event approached. WWE has since tested for the virus, and fans sighed in relief when the results came back as a case of the mumps, according to Wrestling Inc.
Mumps is a viral infection just like viral meningitis that was earlier feared to have spread around the WWE Raw facilities, and fortunately for the wrestlers, it is decidedly less life-threatening. It can spread just as fast, though, as an airborne illness that can be passed on by coughing or sneezing, or even via plates or cups.
That hardly matters schedule-wise, however. Once a star undergoes testing, they can't get back to work until the results, positive or negative, are back, as WWE confirmed later in a statement.
"We have confirmed that three of our performers have been diagnosed with a viral infection. As a precautionary measure, we are ensuring in-ring performers and staff are tested and immunized in accordance with recommended medical guidelines," WWE said.
