WWE Legend Kurt Angle Pays Tribute To Liam Payne

The world was shaken on Oct. 16, 2024, when news came that singer, songwriter, and member of One Direction Liam Payne had fallen to his death in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was only 31 years old.Since his tragic passing, fans and colleagues have paid tribute to the late singer, including Simon Cowell, Cheryl, and the other members of One Direction.This includes a legendary professional wrestler who once shared the ring with Payne.On Nov. 23, 2013, Payne hosted then-TNA Superstar and professional wrestling legend Kurt Angle during an event called 1D Day, a livestream meant to promote One Direction’s third album.During the interview, Angle insulted Payne, leading to Payne declaring, “I’ve had enough of your trash-talking,” and challenging the multi-time world champion to a match.The two then faced off, with Payne dressed as a masked wrestler named “The Payne Train.”Not only was Payne surprisingly athletic, successfully executing a hurricanrana, he was also able to defeat the Olympic gold medalist in sound fashion.Later, in an interview with On Demand Entertainment, Angle shared how much of a joy it was to face off against the former One Direction member.”It was great. I had a lot of fun with these guys; I got to meet my daughter’s favorite human being in the world, Harry Styles,” Angle said, per Hazel Pagador of Sportskeeda.More WWE: WWE Legend Sid Eudy, aka Sid Vicious, Sycho Sid, Remembered by Wrestling Greats”It was a lot of fun because I didn’t know these kids were big wrestling fans; I didn’t know they watched Kurt Angle growing up. It was mutually rewarding, you know. We both enjoyed each other’s company and to wrestle Liam was a lot of fun; to put him over was even more fun,”Angle has once again spoken about the match, paying tribute to Payne after his tragic death.”RIP [Liam Payne],” the four-time WWE Champion said on X. “It was an honor to step in the ring with you during 1D Day!”TNA Wrestling UK also paid tribute to the late singer.”We join the world in mourning Liam Payne – a wonderful man and artist,” TNA Wrestling UK said on X. “Liam was a huge wrestling fan and we were honoured to be able to work with him on 1D Day when he wrestled, and beat, [Kurt Angle].”Styles is survived by his partner, Kate Cassidy, and his son, whom he shares with singer and television personality Cheryl.For more WWE, TNA, and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.