8 Nuances That Make Seth Rollins So Great
6. … But Pattern Your Career After The Best
He might have started out flipping and flying, but Lopez realised pretty early on that high fliers are midcarders… and the middle of the card wasn’t where he wanted to be.
Look at the list of influences he cited - with the exception of the Warrior, they’re all normal-sized men with reputations for athleticism, stamina, creativity and technical excellence who could work in a babyface or heel role.
That’s the classic pro wrestling all-rounder, the kind of worker companies are built around, who can be whatever and whoever they’re needed to be: superlative workers who can work with anyone, delivering blistering performances against any opponent.
No one exemplifies that kind of performer more than The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, especially upon his return to competition after recovering from that back injury, kicking drugs and finding Jesus. Rollins himself acknowledges Michaels as the blueprint for the Architect:
“I’ve always fancied myself as the guy who can do it all pretty well. I don’t see myself in the ring as a high flyer or brawler or technical guy, but I feel I can do everything, work with everybody, and bring out the best in different people. I would never compare myself to him, but like a Shawn Michaels, a guy who can do everything. I’ve always prided myself on doing different types of matches with different opponents.”