10 Biggest Mistakes Of WWE's New Era Thus Far

9. Bringing Seth Rollins Back As A Heel

Roman reigns
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Unquestionably one of WWE’s biggest botches this summer was bringing Seth Rollins back as a heel. After falling to a serious knee injury back in November 2015, Rollins finally made his return at Extreme Rules. The fans went ballistic when The Architect appeared unannounced and Pedigreed Roman Reigns following his main event victory over AJ Styles, but widespread disappointment set-in the next night on Raw. Rollins reverted to his heel persona of old, and it felt like a huge missed opportunity.

The “injury comeback” story is perfect babyface fodder. Nothing builds sympathy like a long spell on the sidelines, and in the WWE Network’s “Redesign, Rebuild, Reclaim,” special, fans were granted a front row seat to Rollins’ long, gruelling recovery process. It was a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain that painted Rollins in a fantastic light, and by the end, you couldn’t help but root for the guy.

Make no mistake, Rollins is an excellent heel, but fans are crying-out to support the guy at the moment. While the equally-miscast Reigns draws nothing but boos from live crowds, Rollins is cheered every time he appears. This could change throughout the Finn Balor feud, but for now, Rollins’ persona just isn’t consistent without his crowd reactions.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.