The status of Seth Rollins is now shrouded in uncertainty following a match against LA Knight at Saturday Night’s Main Event that ended abruptly and sparked significant confusion backstage.
According to a report from Fightful Select, Rollins was originally scheduled to defeat Knight. However, the match concluded earlier than planned with Knight getting the victory. The sudden change led many backstage, including some who are typically aware of creative plans, to believe that a legitimate injury forced an audible. The concern was treated as real, with the mood backstage reportedly turning somber. This speculation was further fueled when Rollins appeared on crutches at Evolution the following night.
Adding to the ambiguity, Rollins addressed the situation on The Rich Eisen Show, confirming he has not yet had an MRI on his knee due to significant swelling.
“To be fair, I might be there. My wife—my wife is wrestling Lyra Valkyria for the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam. So, we’ll see if—if they—depending on how this goes, you know, uh, if traveling is easy enough, I might make my way out to—uh—we’re at MetLife. We’re outside New York, New York, New Jersey for two nights, SummerSlam in August. So, we’ll see.”
While the visible signs point to a genuine medical issue, there is growing skepticism about the injury’s severity. One producer reportedly described the event as a possible “Machiavelli situation,” suggesting a complex work might be in play. This theory posits that the angle was intentionally guarded to create a realistic storyline, potentially setting up a dramatic return or a surprise cash-in of his Money in the Bank briefcase.
Paul Heyman has since leaned into the situation, acknowledging that WWE is using the uncertainty as a narrative tool to blur the lines between reality and fiction. For now, whether Rollins is dealing with a legitimate long-term injury or is at the center of a masterful storyline remains unclear, leaving his role for SummerSlam and beyond in serious doubt.