Seth Rollins stands out as one of WWE’s biggest stars, having been a regular fixture on WWE TV for nearly 15 years since his debut with The Shield. His remarkable matches and dynamic character work have propelled him to the top of the industry. While many of Rollins’ bouts are celebrated, some matches have detracted from his reputation, affecting his legacy in WWE.
One key highlight was the main event of WrestleMania 41 on April 19, 2025, where Rollins secured a monumental win in a triple threat match against CM Punk and Roman Reigns, with Paul Heyman playing a decisive role in his victory. This event marked a significant moment for Rollins, especially as WWE used it to turn him heel and cement his place on the top.
However, Rollins’ defense of the Universal Championship against Bray Wyatt’s “The Fiend” at Hell in a Cell 2019 was criticized heavily, as WWE hesitated to end Rollins’ reign or The Fiend’s dominance, resulting in a poorly received match. On the flip side, Rollins showed his capability in classic hardcore matches during the 2021 Crown Jewel Hell in a Cell bout against Edge, which was praised as a rare classic amidst Saudi events.
Rollins’ 2015 WWE Championship run was mixed, particularly his match with Kane at Hell in a Cell 2015, which many fans saw as low quality. Contrastingly, his early career high point came with The Shield in a famous TLC match at TLC 2012, which instantly elevated him and his teammates.
Other blemishes on Rollins’ record include the underwhelming tag match with Becky Lynch against Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans at Extreme Rules 2019 and a controversial but standout match against John Cena at SummerSlam 2015, where Rollins showcased his in-ring talent effectively. Injuries and criticism for being risky in the ring, such as Sting’s career-altering injury during Night of Champions 2015, also affected his reputation.
Rollins’ 2015 Royal Rumble match against John Cena and Brock Lesnar was a star-making performance, setting him up for major successes. Yet, the rematch with Bray Wyatt at Crown Jewel 2019, which ended Rollins’ championship reign, was poorly received and further hurt his legacy. Rollins had to rebuild his character and reputation as a heel after this feud.
Fan Take: This overview of Seth Rollins’ highs and lows highlights the complexity of maintaining a top wrestling career amid brilliant performances and some booking missteps. For WWE fans, it underscores how moments both good and bad shape the narrative of a superstar’s legacy and the ongoing evolution of storytelling in professional wrestling.
