As WrestleMania 40 approaches, WWE audiences are salivating at the several potential storylines and dramatic shifts that could unfold at the marquee event. One of the most intriguing personalities involved in all of the chaos is Seth Rollins, a stalwart of the modern WWE era.
Currently the World Heavyweight Champion with more successful title defenses in less than a year than Roman Reigns in nearly four years, Rollins’ ongoing narrative with The Rock, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes has brought into question his role in the larger scheme of things, especially given the complexity of the relationships between all four of the involved parties and the high stakes involved.
The Rock and Reigns’ challenge to Rollins and Rhodes on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40 adds another layer to this intricate storyline, making the potential for storyline swerve for Rollins a possibility if not a likelihood.
Seth Rollins, most recently referring to himself as “The Visionary,” has long been one of WWE’s most versatile performers, seamlessly transitioning between the hero and villain roles throughout his career and a heel turn could be exactly what he needs to prevent himself from going stale if it already hasn’t.
The core of the speculation rests on Rollins’ current positioning within WWE’s hierarchy. Despite holding the World Heavyweight Championship, Rollins has, at times, felt like a secondary character – an oft-neglected workhorse that takes the backseat whenever the spotlight shines on other superstars. This has led some to argue that a heel turn could reinvigorate Rollins’ character, allowing him to reclaim the spotlight and assert his dominance in a more villainous capacity.
Already, we’ve seen some of Rollins’ most recent promo work hint at the potential next step for his character: a frustrated star out to prove that he’s bigger, better, and more valuable to WWE than anyone else.
Furthermore, Rollins’ history as part of The Shield, particularly his role in disbanding the group, provides a rich backdrop for a potential heel turn. The Shield’s legacy is deeply entwined with Roman Reigns’ rise to prominence, and revisiting this history could add a compelling twist to the current storyline.
Turning Rollins heel, harkening back to his days as “The Architect”, could enable WWE to explore this dynamic further, pitting Rollins against Rhodes and perhaps even leading to a betrayal that costs Rhodes his match against Reigns.
Moreover, the potential for a Rollins heel turn is bolstered by the narrative possibilities it opens up for the 37-year-old superstar. A heel turn could refresh Rollins’ character, offering new opportunities for storytelling and feuds. It could also set the stage for a more serious, focused persona, moving away from the sometimes cartoonish elements of his current character.
We’ve all seen babyfaces in recent months turn into heels to great effect, with the likes of Drew McIntyre, who’s come to calling himself “DM Hunk”, and of course, The Rock, doing the devil’s work and helping WWE fill arenas.
At this rate, the question of Seth Rollins’ heel turn has become a matter of when. If his title reign ends at WrestleMania 40 as a face, presumably with a Damian Priest cash in, Rollins could take a couple of months off to recuperate while preparing for his return. By then, a feud between Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre will likely have taken place if not run its course, which is when Rollins could come in as a rejuvenated heel – the exact antithesis of Rhodes, who’s all but expected to complete his story at WrestleMania 40 in April.
Ultimately, what the WWE has is a good problem. It has a surplus of faces that can pack arenas on any given night. As much as Rollins’ title run has captivated audiences, we could see his finest work yet when he inevitably turns villain.
