5 Biggest Winners & Losers From WWE Raw (29 Aug)

5. Winners: Seth Rollins & Triple H

Seth Rollins Triple H
WWE.com

Seth Rollins wrestled a tough match with Finn Balor at SummerSlam, but he couldn’t walk away with the gold. The Demon King’s injury and subsequent vacation of the Universal Championship saw Rollins installed as an immediate favourite to claim the strap this week, but it didn’t materialise: Triple H turned his back on The Architect, and Kevin Owens pinned him for the gold.

The match’s outcome isn’t exactly “winning” material, so how did Rollins not end-up in the losers’ column? By effectively turning babyface, and entering a smart, logical storyline with Triple H.

Fans have been crying-out for face Rollins since he returned at Extreme Rules. His lengthy injury rehab gave him an organic comeback story, and fans were delighted to see him rush the ring and take-out then WWE Champion Roman Reigns after the night’s main event. Sadly, Rollins reverted to his old heel role the next night on Raw, but his crowd reactions remained mix, particularly when pitted against the divisive Reigns.

Triple H may have battered Reigns last night too, but his swerve on Rollins was the real talking point. They’ve been allies since Rollins ended The Shield, and while we won’t learn H’s motivations until next week, it’s a smart story. The WWE Universe finally has a bonafide reason to cheer Seth Rollins: let’s see how he handles being Raw’s top babyface after years as a smarmy heel.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.