The recent injury to Seth Rollins is part of an elaborate storyline designed to culminate in a surprise Money in the Bank cash-in at SummerSlam. According to a new report, the appearances on crutches and pained expressions are a work, setting the stage for a pivotal moment during the two-night event.
The plan, as detailed by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, centers on Rollins targeting the winner of the World Heavyweight Championship match between CM Punk and Gunther. The expected outcome is for Punk to defeat Gunther for the title, only for his championship celebration to be immediately cut short by Rollins.
“So Punk gets the title and then loses it in seconds,” Meltzer explained. “I figure that’s how it’s going down. I can’t imagine him not winding up with the championship and then telling everyone it was a ruse and he worked everybody. And actually… I thought that was quite brilliant.”
Even though many fans online have already figured out the plan, WWE was reportedly not changing its course as of midweek.
“But it’s out now. So do you go with it or change it? There’s no right or wrong,” Meltzer stated. “What I do know is that midweek, when I was writing the Observer, it was very much said to me that the plans haven’t changed.”
The strategy for the rest of the SummerSlam card was also discussed, with Roman Reigns vs. Bron Breakker considered the third-biggest match of the weekend, behind Punk vs. Gunther and the street fight between Cody Rhodes and John Cena. Meltzer noted the strategic decision WWE faces in placing that match on the card.
“Roman vs. Breakker is a clear number three match, but still a major one. If Night 1 looks weaker, maybe you need to anchor it with Roman,” he said.
This calculated deception positions Rollins for a shocking return to the championship picture. The long game appears to have CM Punk as its ultimate target, establishing a major storyline for WWE’s biggest event of the summer.