Wednesday, 30 July 2014
How do you solve a problem like Seth Rollins?
Not only was it one of the best heel turns in a LONG time, but also, and maybe more importantly, it has been the launchpad for the three members of The Shield to go solo.
For Roman Reigns the objective appears to be a clear one from the WWE; To get him over enough as a singles wrestler in order for him to eventually become World Heavyweight Champion.
As discussed by many industry experts the ideal time for this would be at Wrestlemania 31. Maybe against Brock Lesnar? Who knows?
The one thing we all know for sure is that Seth Rollins is currently Mr. Money In The Bank. Usually this would be a good thing for any WWE superstar to have in their possession and it may well turn out to be that way for Rollins too.
However I'm struggling to see where a Rollins title reign fits into the masterplan. And more importantly if he is ready for it yet.
Like most people, I'm expecting Lesnar to pick up the belts at SummerSlam.
If he does take the titles from Cena, can you really see Rollins cashing in MITB against The Beast?
Lesnar is one of the most dominant Superstars in WWE history. He manhandled the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. He may well do the same to Cena at SummerSlam.
So what chance does an upstart like Rollins have against Lesnar?
In my opinion; Very little chance. I just don't think I could buy into him pinning Lesnar 1, 2, 3.
If Lesnar does win at SummerSlam you would imagine his title reign will be a fairly dominant and long-lived one. Some have even speculated that a Lesnar title run could stretch right through to Wrestlemania next year, when Reigns can take the straps from him and have his moment in the sun.
So here's the question; How do you solve a problem like Seth Rollins?
Sunday, 27 July 2014
The great Rollins/Ambrose non-event
When WWE announced that these two former Shield 'brothers' were going to square off at Battleground, I was more than a little bit surprised.
With the amount of time invested in this feud since the split of The Shield (and the heat it seems to draw), I would've thought their match would be saved for SummerSlam.
I was right.
A week on from the Battleground PPV, we all know the deal;
Ambrose couldn't wait for the bell to sound before getting his hands on Rollins. So instead he jumped him backstage until security, and more importantly, COO Triple H stepped in.
Triple H kicked Ambrose out of the building and that was that. The match was off and Rollins picked up the win via 'forfeit'.
Great for this ongoing storyline, right?
Not so great for the fans who had paid for the Battleground PPV. Made even worse by the fact it was comfortably the worst PPV of the year.
In the UK we pay just shy of £15 for a WWE PPV. Plus the network hasn't arrived here yet, so that isn't an option.
In the States, I am led to believe it is about $55 for PPV events. This is much more than us Brits pay, so my thoughts are with you guys on this one.
Put simply. It is unacceptable for the WWE to blatantly sell a PPV on the strength of a match that they know will never even take place. No other PPV sport would get away with that, without having to at least refund the paying public.
I'm sure we could have all managed to wait until SummerSlam before being offered this match. But having been offered it, and then having it denied to us, doesn't sit comfortably with me.
The final slap in the face, for the paying fans, was Rollins coming to the ring to have his arm raised in victory. Talk about rubbing it in!
Obviously this match will now take place at SummerSlam, of that we can be certain.
As a form of recompense from the WWE, I would like to see a stipulation added. Cage match, perhaps? No DQ? Falls count anywhere? Just something to give it the edge the prolonged build-up has been promising.
As for Seth and Dean; Good luck at SummerSlam. No pressure!
NWS
