diff --git a/tests/core/pyspec/eth2spec/test/helpers/block.py b/tests/core/pyspec/eth2spec/test/helpers/block.py
index 41d0a9131..64f406633 100644
--- a/tests/core/pyspec/eth2spec/test/helpers/block.py
+++ b/tests/core/pyspec/eth2spec/test/helpers/block.py
@@ -96,8 +96,6 @@ def build_empty_block(spec, state, slot=None):
         empty_block.body.sync_aggregate.sync_committee_signature = spec.G2_POINT_AT_INFINITY
 
     if is_post_merge(spec):
-        if not hasattr(state, 'latest_execution_payload_header'):
-            raise Exception("panic!!!")
         empty_block.body.execution_payload = build_empty_execution_payload(spec, state)
 
     apply_randao_reveal(spec, state, empty_block)