WNS Column: Mr Money in the Bank - Seth Rollins & the WWE Title Predicament

For the various wrestling fans throughout the world with keen interests surrounding the American independent circuit circa 2003-2009, many will be familiar with the career and progression of one Seth Rollins prior to his WWE fame and popularity. Having worked for various promotions throughout the United States (PWG, IWA:MS, FIP & ROH to name only a few), as well as working under a variety of ring names including Gixx & Tyler Black, there was no doubt in the minds of many that such an athlete would one day grace the international stage & the pinnacle of the wrestling world – performing under the flagship guidance of Vince McMahon and the WWE. So, with that in mind, how has Rollins transformed his career into potential Championship contender in only a year and a half?

For those familiar with Rollins work prior to his WWE status, many will note that various Championship reigns such as those in IWA:MS & ROH would ultimately prepare such an individual to grace the ‘big leagues’ of the WWE. Could this have impacted the progression of the Seth Rollins character in relation to an international audience? Potentially so. Yet, from a personal standpoint, I’d like to imagine that six years of working for various independent promotions, as well as working alongside a variety of opposing athletes and on a number of continents has significantly moulded the Seth Rollins character that we see today on television – both in and outside of the ring. Whichever way you care to look at the situation, the American independent circuit acts as the foundations and improvement of performers before Vince McMahon & the WWE come calling – similar to the opposing territories situated throughout the United States during the 70s and 80s.

The Shield was incorporated into WWE programming to provide three individuals with the opportunity to springboard their careers, as well as solidify their positions within the company. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose – all varying in styles and personas, yet when used as a solitary unit were considered as one of the most successful factions of recent memory, if not all time. Having the group compete against the likes of John Cena, Sheamus & Randy Orton on a number of occasions throughout late 2012 – early 2013 not only provided those involved with significant storylines within the context of main programming, but often securing victories and presenting the group as equals to current ‘Main Event’ talent successfully solidified their relevance & talent. The majority of the wrestling community were aware of the bright futures associated with all three counterparts, but the one question that remained was simple: It wasn’t if The Shield would disband, but when? Haven built Reigns, Rollins & Ambrose as legitimate threats to the rest of the WWE roster, as well as often being touted as future WWE World Heavyweight Champions, the disbandment of The Shield would only seemingly be a matter of time.

On the June 2^nd edition of RAW, Seth Rollins betrayed Reigns & Ambrose, immediately aligning himself alongside Triple H & The Authority. Initially questioned as to whether or not the disbandment of The Shield had been rushed or tarnished, it remains a personal opinion that such an occurrence was presented at the perfect time. Having won Championships over the duration of the previous year and a half (The WWE Tag Team Championships for Reigns & Rollins, as well as a United States Championship run for Ambrose), as well as successful feuds with The Wyatt Family & Evolution throughout the first 6 months of 2014, there seemed to be little left for The Shield to achieve as a solitary unit. All three performers had been provided with sufficient time to mould and create successful portrayals and characters on-screen, now it was time for each to embark on individual journeys and pursue opposing opportunities and challenges.

At the Money in the Bank 2014 Pay-Per-View, Rollins obtained the briefcase associated within the context of the traditional Money in the Bank Ladder Match, providing him with a Championship opportunity over the duration of the next 12 months. As Reigns finds himself entangled in the WWE World Heavyweight Title picture alongside the likes of John Cena, Randy Orton & Kane, an opportunity for Rollins & Ambrose to embark on a feud & rivalry has since been spawned. Strongly considered as one of the strongest storylines of television at the moment, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Rollins & Ambrose at each other’s throats for a couple of months, at least until SummerSlam in August. Yet, as the Money in the Bank Briefcase holder, where does that leave Rollins in terms of the WWE World Heavyweight Title picture?

The traditional ‘cash-in’ has been teased over the duration of the previous two editions of RAW, yet with Ambrose seemingly following his former partners every movement, I don’t potentially see Rollins taking advantage anytime soon. Also, with a supposed Cena/Lesnar rematch for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship set for SummerSlam, I’d be surprised to see a similar ending to the PPV like the one seen at the 2013 edition of the show, especially if Lesnar was to be the victor and thus walk out with Championship gold around his waist. Just because Brock is being paid millions of dollars to work only a part time schedule does not mean such a choice would make bad business sense. Lesnar is a genuine superstar, threat & draw to the company, so using the opportunity to build a title reign with the eventual intention of putting over a Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt or Cesaro in the Main Event of WrestleMania 31 would immediately catapult one individual to superstardom, especially considering that it was Brock Lesnar who ended the Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak.

Early rumours circulating about WrestleMania 31 are pointing towards a Lesnar/Reigns showdown for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. If that is to be the case (and at such a stage as this, any early rumours are to be taken with a pinch of salt), I wouldn’t expect to see Rollins as a potential title contender anytime soon. Would it possibly be considered a viable option for Reigns to defeat Lesnar, only for Rollins to cash-in and walk away with the Championship? Who knows? One thing is for certain though; wrestling has always been full of fairytales. Seeing a babyface chasing the heel Champion to try and obtain the belt has always been a much more viable option to incorporate into the television product.

There is no question to doubt that Seth Rollins will one day become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Will that time occur in the next 12 months? I truly believe so. It’s difficult to specifically pinpoint as to the perfect opportunity to present the ‘cash-in’ moment, especially in consideration of a seemingly inevitable Brock Lesnar title reign & the rise of Roman Reigns, but one thing is for certain, Seth Rollins is continuing to provide an unpredictable edge to current WWE programming. 

- Andrew Fletcher, @Fletchyyy on Twitter.