Liam Payne’s sudden passing left the world in shock, leading fans and friends to reminisce about his most unforgettable moments. Among the stories that surfaced was one particularly memorable event: his wrestling match with WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle nearly a decade ago. This quirky moment, which took place in 2013, had the late singer stepping into the ring against the iconic wrestler, and to everyone’s surprise, he came out victorious.
The event happened as part of a live streaming special to promote One Direction’s third studio album, Midnight Memories. The show was packed with games, interviews, and performances, but one of the highlights was Payne’s unexpected transformation into a professional wrestler. Dubbed “Liam ‘The Payne Train’,” he faced off against Angle in a playful yet intense match. The livestream was more than just a performance – it was an interactive experience where fans got to see Payne live out his wrestling dreams.
Before the match, during an interview, Payne shared his long-standing desire to become a wrestler, revealing that it had always been his ambition. His bandmate, Zayn Malik, was amused by the revelation, joking that he had seen Payne’s wrestling outfit before at a fancy dress party. As the match kicked off, Payne took on the persona of a luchador and managed to defeat Kurt Angle in a thrilling bout. His victory didn’t come as a shock to bandmate Louis Tomlinson, who was confident in Payne’s strength and determination. Meanwhile, Malik was left astounded by Payne’s athleticism, especially the impressive flips he pulled off during the match.
Despite losing, Kurt Angle expressed his admiration for Payne. Speaking with On Demand Entertainment in 2015, Angle recalled how much fun he had during the interaction. He was particularly surprised to learn that the members of One Direction were avid wrestling fans, with several of them growing up watching him. Angle also appreciated the time spent with the band, calling it “mutually rewarding” and enjoyed putting Payne over in the match, saying it was fun to let the singer take the spotlight.
This unique moment in One Direction’s history showcases not just Liam Payne’s multi-faceted talents but also his playful side, as he stepped into the ring with one of WWE’s greatest legends. For fans of both music and wrestling, the match remains an unforgettable crossover, blending two worlds in an unexpected yet entertai
ning way.
