WWE legend Kurt Angle posts heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne after One Direction star's death

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle has responded to the tragic news of One Direction star Liam Payne's death with a heartwarming tribute.

Payne's body was discovered by police in Argentina on Wednesday night after they arrived at the Casa Sur Hotel following a phone call from the manager.

An official statement from the police later confirmed that the former One Direction star had fallen from the balcony of his third floor room.

Following the news, tributes have poured in from many in the world of sport, and now, former WWE legend Angle has posted his own heartbreaking response to the tragic news.

In 2013, Payne competed against the 1996 Olympic Gold medallist in a wrestling match as part of an event promoting One Direction.

Alongside a clip of their wrestling match, Angle wrote on X: "RIP Liam Payne, it was an honour to step in the ring with you during 1 D Day!"

Payne was a lifelong fan of the WWE and was able to display his passion for the sport during 1D Day, a live streamed event promoting the band's Midnight Memories album.

Wearing a classic Lucha Libre mask as part of a yellow and blue costume, Payne faced Angle in the ring while DJ Scott Mills hosted the event.

RIP @LiamPayne ….it was an honor to step in the ring with you during 1 D Day! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
pic.twitter.com/mmz0y3g4sx

— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) October 17, 2024

Speaking about the experience in November 2013, Angle said: "It was great, I had a lot of fun with these guys. I got to meet my daughter's favourite human being in the world, Harry Styles. 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."

The 31-year-old singer tragically lost his life after injuries sustained from the fall from his balcony led to "internal and external haemorrhaging," with the "injuries to his head alone enough to cause death," according to a preliminary autopsy report.

Reacting to the news, his One Direction bandmates posted a heartfelt goodbye, writing: "In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. We will miss him terribly."