Seth Rollins suffered a knee injury after landing awkwardly while attempting a springboard moonsault at Saturday Night’s Main Event XL on July 12. Reports suggest this injury is legitimate and may keep Rollins out of action indefinitely.
The injury has disrupted significant plans for Rollins, who was set for a major push as the leader of a heel faction alongside Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. His recent acquisition of the Money in the Bank briefcase had positioned him directly in the championship picture, with many anticipating a recreation of the iconic “heist of the century” cash-in. However, this injury has derailed those plans, injecting major drama into the WWE RAW main event scene.
There is a potential twist regarding Rollins’ return at the historic two-night SummerSlam. He might not return alone, as The Rock could accompany him and potentially cost CM Punk his World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther. This scenario could reveal The Rock as the true mastermind behind Paul Heyman forming an alliance with Rollins.
Furthermore, with assistance from Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, The Final Boss could assault Gunther, creating an opportunity for Rollins to cash in his Money in the Bank contract and secure the World Heavyweight Title. This potential development could set the stage for two significant matches at WrestleMania 42: a World Heavyweight Championship bout between Rollins and CM Punk, and a highly anticipated dream match between The Rock and Roman Reigns. The planned contest between The Rock and Reigns at WrestleMania XL was altered after fans reacted negatively to Cody Rhodes being denied his championship opportunity.
The Official Tribal Chief is currently feuding with Rollins and his heel faction, and could intervene to stop The Rock. However, this proposed angle is speculative, based on current storylines, and remains unconfirmed.
The wrestling world continues to grapple with uncertainty surrounding Rollins’ knee injury. Reports emphasize a “cloudy” status regarding the injury, with conflicting opinions backstage as to its legitimacy or if it is part of an elaborate storyline. Some producers, talent, and staff members have been told the injury is legitimate, but skepticism persists due to a lack of clear medical details and WWE’s apparent desire to keep the situation ambiguous.
Following his match with LA Knight at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Rollins was seen backstage on crutches with a knee brace, which fueled concern among observers, especially as the match ended prematurely. The mood backstage reportedly ranged from genuine concern to suspicion that the situation was a “Machiavellian” move by WWE to heighten intrigue before SummerSlam. A definitive timeline for Rollins’ return remains unavailable, and his participation in SummerSlam is in question.
Social media updates from Becky Lynch, Rollins’ wife and fellow WWE star, have shown Rollins using crutches and wearing a visible knee brace. These public appearances have largely quelled speculation that the incident was a pure storyline, though some still believe the true extent and timeline are being deliberately obscured. Wrestling journalists like Bill Apter have also commented on these visuals, suggesting the injury does not appear catastrophic but is serious enough to sideline Rollins for the immediate future. The use of medical devices, along with Rollins’ statements about pain and mobility issues, indicates his absence is not solely for storyline purposes. The overwhelming consensus suggests Rollins will miss in-ring action for an extended, undefined period as he undergoes further medical evaluation and focuses on rehabilitation.