Seth Rollins set the record straight about his injury and his status for WrestleMania 40.
The main event of the January 15th episode of Monday Night Raw saw Seth Rollins defend his World Heavyweight Championship against fellow former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal. Despite consistent interference from Indus Sher, Rollins was victorious in retaining his title.
However, in the course of the match, Rollins could be seen clutching his knee, and it was later reported that he’d suffered a torn MCL and partially torn meniscus. WWE announced on Friday that Rollins would address his injury on the January 22nd episode of Monday Night Raw.
Sure enough, at the beginning of the show, Rollins made his entrance, walking without assistance but with his knee in a brace over his suit. The World Heavyweight Championship around his waist, the star took in chants of “Thank you Seth” from the New Orleans crowd as he stood in the ring with tears in his eyes.
Seth Rollins said that it had been a long week and that he appreciated the crowd before explaining that when hitting a moonsault on Jinder Mahal, he felt his knee go in a way it wasn’t supposed to. He was able to finish the match and beat Mahal, and when he sat down in the back, he knew he might be out for a long time.
For the first time, he said, he thought there was a real possibility that he might miss WrestleMania. The crowd emphatically chanted “No” to this, but Rollins continued, explaining that the results of his tests were not great. He has a grade 2 tear of his MCL and a partial meniscus tear, and doctors are telling him that with surgery he would be out 3-4 months.
Rollins said that if it were up to him, he’d be out here next week competing again, but that at this time, the future is uncertain.
Will Seth Rollins Compete At WrestleMania 40?
To the surprise of the crowd, Seth Rollins’ address was interrupted by record-breaking Intercontinental Champion Gunther. Rollins told the Imperium leader that he doesn’t have time for this, but Gunther said that he should really be concentrating on him. Gunther said he and Seth have been avoiding each other for quite some time, and this seemed like a good time to let the World Heavyweight Champion know what he thinks of him.
Gunther said that he understood Rollins was in a tough spot being labeled as a workhorse champion. He said that Rollins was a champion everyone could be proud of, just like him. Gunther said it pulled at his heartstrings and made him sad that Rollins might not make it to WrestleMania, but Rollins said Imperium should have let him finish.
According to Rollins, he “doesn’t give a damn” what doctors have to say or how injured he is; he’ll be taking his title into WrestleMania, and he’ll do everything in his power to also walk out of WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion.
Nobody will stop @WWERollins from making it to #WrestleMania!#WWERawpic.twitter.com/pTqmbak7BK
— WWE (@WWE) January 23, 2024
Gunther said he was happy to hear this news, and he admires Rollins for doing whatever it takes. The Imperium leader said he’d do the same thing in Rollins’ position, and that Rollins reminds him of himself. He then issued a challenge to Rollins:
“From one great champion to another great champion, I’m going to win the Royal Rumble. And I’m going to choose you as my opponent for WrestleMania. But with all due respect, I’m going to target your knee, I’m going to target your back, I’m going to target everything that isn’t 100%. I will beat you and become the World Heavyweight Champion.”
Rollins said he appreciated Gunther’s honesty, but that he should remember who he’s coming after. In response, Gunther told Rollins that he better remember who’s coming after him.
Following the tense confrontation, The New Day came to the aid of Rollins, attacking Imperium prior to their tag team match.
In a new update, Seth Rollins has revealed when WWE fans can expect him back.
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