A knee injury suffered by Seth Rollins during last Saturday’s live broadcast has become a point of major internal confusion for WWE, raising questions about its legitimacy and the future of the Money in the the Bank briefcase. The situation has been described by one producer as potentially “Machiavellian,” leaving many within the company uncertain if they are witnessing a real injury or an elaborate storyline.
The incident occurred at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, when Rollins landed awkwardly after a springboard moonsault in his match against LA Knight. The match was stopped as Rollins was checked at ringside, leading to an unplanned finish where Knight secured the victory. Originally, Rollins was slated to win, but a real-time decision was made due to the injury.
Four days later, Rollins appeared on The Rich Eisen Show to confirm the injury, stating he felt his knee “pop and buckle.” He mentioned that a visit to specialists in Birmingham, Alabama, was inconclusive due to swelling and that he expects to be “out for an extended period of time,” though he hopes for a return by WrestleMania season.
Despite Rollins’ public comments and being seen on crutches, reports from Fightful Select indicate a high level of skepticism backstage. While the situation is being handled as a legitimate injury, conflicting information and a lack of internal communication have fueled theories that it may be a work.
This uncertainty has directly impacted major creative plans. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, a main event match between Rollins and Roman Reigns was the intended direction for SummerSlam. With those plans now derailed, the focus has shifted to Rollins’ Money in the Bank contract. On the July 14 episode of WWE RAW, Paul Heyman noted that Rollins has until June of next year to cash in, keeping him in the title picture while inactive.
However, a more drastic path could be taken. Speaking on The Wrestling Time Machine, WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long suggested the company could break precedent if Rollins’ absence is too long. Long believes the on-screen General Manager could strip Rollins of the briefcase entirely.
“They can always bring in the GM. The GM there, Adam there, he can always change that rule,” Long explained. “But he can say he went to a higher authority, you know, someone higher than him, to find out what he can really do and what he can’t do, and he found out that he can change that rule. So let that leave it in the hands of the GM.”
Long’s suggestion highlights the dilemma WWE faces. The company must now navigate a situation clouded by doubt, with a top star’s health and a key storyline hanging in the balance.