Seth Rollins’ fake injury angle, where he abandoned his crutches and cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, became one of WWE’s most unforgettable plot twists of this century. Michael Cole’s nickname for the moment, “The Random of the Century,” echoes Rollins’ prior “Heist of the Century” at WrestleMania 31, highlighting the apt comparison between the two iconic moments.
This storyline succeeded because it perfectly blended belief and skepticism. While some fans and analysts suspected Rollins was faking his injury during the main event, most of the WWE Universe fully bought into the deception. After CM Punk defeated Gunther, fans witnessed genuine emotion rather than scripted acting as Rollins appeared on crutches, expressing frustration toward the new champion. When he dropped the crutches and charged into the ring, it became an outstanding example of theatrical wrestling at its finest.
How does this moment stack up against other landmark events defining this century?
The Shield’s Betrayal (2014): Seth Rollins’ betrayal of The Shield is arguably the most pivotal in-ring moment of the 21st century. Nearly a decade later, its repercussions continue to influence WWE storylines. Rollins’ turn not only broke up the group by attacking Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose with chairs but also reshaped the entire WWE landscape. This betrayal paved the way for Reigns to become the faction’s dominant leader, sparked numerous title reigns, and cemented Shield members as central figures in the wrestling world throughout the 2020s.
John Cena’s Heel Turn (2025): After 22 years as WWE’s ultimate hero, John Cena’s shocking heel turn at the Elimination Chamber, triggered by Cody Rhodes’ betrayal, stunned fans. This twist was particularly impactful because it contradicted Cena’s Farewell Retirement Tour narrative of nostalgia and goodwill. Instead, Cena attacked the WWE Champion and, alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, reshaped expectations for his character completely.
This turn also provided WWE with a crucial alternative to Cody Rhodes, who had become the company’s emotional core over the previous two years. For the first time in almost two decades, WWE no longer needed Cena as the top babyface, allowing the company to pursue this unprecedented storyline direction.
Verdict:
“The Random of the Century” stands out as a masterfully executed swerve that shocked most fans while rewarding the few who were skeptical. Rollins’ believable crutch performance from a trusted injury angle made the surprise feel both exhilarating and inevitable.
However, it might not match the long-term storytelling impact of The Shield’s betrayal. While Rollins created a memorable moment, the Shield breakup fundamentally altered WWE’s course for the entire decade. “The Random of the Century” shines with its immediate effect and flawless execution, solidifying its place among this century’s greatest wrestling moments.
That Rollins has been at the center of two of the century’s most shocking moments marks him as both a traitor and a con artist, highlighting his status as a generational talent whose every action demands fans’ closest attention.
Fan Take: This storyline reminds WWE fans why storytelling is just as vital as athleticism in wrestling. Rollins’ deft mix of surprise and realism not only keeps the audience hooked but also pushes the boundaries of what wrestling drama can achieve, promising more thrilling moments to come.
