It takes rare commitment to a storyline to convince fellow professionals, but it takes an exceptional performance to mislead one of the industry’s most respected figures. Seth Rollins recently revealed he accomplished exactly that, successfully deceiving John Cena with his elaborate injury angle this year.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Rollins explained how his portrayal of a severe knee injury—first teased when a match against LA Knight at a Saturday Night’s Main Event was cut short—prompted a concerned message from Cena. Rollins remained on crutches for weeks, keeping the illusion alive to the point that, by his own admission, he had to “wiggle around” the truth in conversations with the multi-time champion. He acknowledged he “maybe” felt some guilt about misleading Cena.
That hesitation disappeared when the plan reached its payoff at SummerSlam. Immediately after CM Punk defeated GUNTHER to claim the World Heavyweight Championship, Rollins charged the ring, revealed the injury was a work, and cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to take the title from the newly crowned champion.
The angle impressed even Cena. Having first expressed concern, he later contacted Rollins again to say he was “very happy” and “proud” of how the story had been executed.
Their exchange comes as both veterans prepare for marquee bouts at WWE’s upcoming Wrestlepalooza, a landmark event for the company. The show, which marks the first Premium Live Event to stream on ESPN Unlimited, will open with John Cena facing longtime rival Brock Lesnar.
Rollins is also featured prominently, teaming with Becky Lynch in a mixed tag match against CM Punk and AJ Lee. The card in Indianapolis further includes Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre, while The Usos square off with The Vision’s Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker.