If WWE Was Being Honest About Seth Rollins: Part 2
Burn it down.
It’s tempting to ward off criticisms of “negativity”, and reengage with a dismal product refreshed and without cynicism. But the thing about !*$%-eyed optimism is that WWE punishes it. Systemically.
Just over a year ago, your writer—never the biggest Seth Rollins fan—nonetheless argued that he was the man, or the closest thing to it in WWE. With praise faint and warranted, Rollins was put over for living up to his t-shirt between 2017 and ’18. He got the best singles match out of the Miz’s career; he reinvigorated RAW’s interminable tag team division; he rejuvenated himself as an energetic, dynamic super-working babyface after a period of underwhelming performances following significant knee surgery.
Heading into WrestleMania 35 season, Rollins was poised to make a run at the top face role. It is a role he has failed—quite spectacularly—to play.
The rule-proving exception of his electric, unvarnished banger against AJ Styles notwithstanding, Rollins’ run as Universal Champion was dreadful. Bret Hart did more with less in 1995, and Rollins allowed himself no excuse.
On last night’s RAW Reunion, Rollins entered a repellent, cringeworthy performance even by the standards of a PG WWE babyface.
In the second Miz TV segment built around the Seth Rollins Vs. Brock Lesnar programme in as many months—what an institutionally unimaginative company WWE is, Jesus—Rollins discussed his upcoming SummerSlam opponent. He mentioned Lesnar by name before collecting himself. He didn’t do it justice, and so, mocking Paul Heyman, he did an impression designed to amuse the crowd. “Brock Lesnar!” he shouted, and motorboated. He motorboated.
Rollins nearly corpsed during this bit. He thought it was funny.
CONT'D...(1 of 5)