Surviving Seth’s Absence

Ever since cashing in his Money In The Bank briefcase back at WrestleMania 31, Seth Rollins has dominated the WWE. For just about 9 months, opponents have been set up in front of him. And for 9 months, he has knocked down every single one. John Cena, Dean Ambrose (technically), Sting, and Brock Lesnar (technically) are among the numerous names on Rollins’ “hit list”. With the 29th annual Survivor Series approaching quickly, fans were left to wonder…..who, if anyone could dethrone Rollins? Roman Reigns was next up on Rollins’ list, and it seemed like he could be the one to knock Seth off of his perch. Well….at least, we thought he was.

TSP would like to wish Seth Rollins a speedy recovery…..

As events would have it, Seth Rollins would wind up being the man to dethrone Seth Rollins. News broke late Thursday afternoon, that the WWE World Heavyweight Champion had vacated the title, after suffering tears in his ACL, MCL, and Medial Meniscus. The estimated recovery time given was a 6-9 month timetable.

ESPN caught first wind of this huge news……

The WWE has since announced their intentions to have a one-night tournament to determine a new champion.

This injury could not have come at a worse time for the WWE, as the talent level is at an extreme premium right now.   Seth Rollins joins Daniel Bryan on the shelf with injuries.  In addition, Brock Lesnar and John Cena are taking time off, and WWE’s Hollywood Stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Dave Bautista haven’t been seen on television in months. If only to make matters worse, the company currently has no options that would serve as a believable placeholder champion. I mean sure, they could slap the belt back on a guy like Brock Lesnar or John Cena….but, that would be a complete waste of an opportunity.  They could take the chance to place the title on an up-and-comer like Cesaro or Dean Ambrose….although, neither superstar has been properly built for a title run.

With the lack of star power, and believe-able placeholder champions, the WWE is now left to scramble, and slap together a makeshift tournament, to crown a new champion.  However, there are a few avenues that they could explore, to survive the injury to Seth Rollins.  Let’s dive a little deeper into these options….

1.) Daniel Bryan returns, wins the championship

One of the likeliest and definitely the smartest avenue that the WWE can explore, is to put the belt back on a returning D-Bry.  Bryan first won the championship at the 2013 SummerSlam, before being screwed over by Randy Orton and Triple H.  For the better part of the next eight months, Daniel went through a living hell (and numerous screwjobs), before regaining the ultimate prize at WrestleMania XXX.  Unfortunately, he was forced to vacate the championship shortly after, due to a neck injury.   Bryan would return at the 2015 Royal Rumble, and go on to win the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 31.  He would be forced to vacate that belt as well, this time due to a concussion.   He’s been gone for about seven months, and that’s seven months too long…

With Daniel Bryan, you’ve pretty much got your Seth Rollins replacement.  Bryan carries an amazing talent level in-ring, great skill on the mic, and is super over with the WWE Universe.  The “Yes Movement’s” return is what is best for business, and at this point…..necessary for business.

2.) Finally crown Roman Reigns as “The Man”

It’s been a foregone conclusion ever since the Shield’s breakup, that Roman Reigns would be destined to carry the WWE on his back, at some point.  He’s just got “it”.  The look, the charisma, he’s got it all.   It came as a surprise to many, when Rollins reached the top of the mountain, first.   Most believed that Roman would be the first to reach the top, and would carry the company for years to come.  Well, with Seth now out of the picture, it seems that this is the “Big Dog’s” time to shine…..

3.) Triple H ends his retirement, reclaims his throne as “King of Kings”

It’s been over two years, since we last saw “The Game” Triple H inside a WWE ring, as a regular performer.   He’s sporadically entered the ring at WrestleMania 30 and 31, facing Daniel Bryan and Sting respectively.   Outside of that, it’s been almost three years, since HHH has been a true “regular” in the storylines.  With the untimely departure of Rollins, there’s no better time than now to place Hunter back into the spotlight.  He’s had the experience of being “the man”, has shown that he can still perform at his age, and there are an infinite number of built-in feuds for him following the tournament.  This one, almost makes too much sense…..

4.) The “Icon” achieves the final milestone in his career

Sting has been a mainstay in the wrestling business for almost 30 years now.  He’s achieved just about everything a wrestler can achieve.   From a pair of NWA World Heavyweight Title reigns, to multiple WCW World Title reigns, to a number of TNA World Title reigns, Sting has done it all…..well, almost everything.  In his almost 30 year career, he has never won the WWE Title.   Up until November 2014, Sting had never stepped foot in a WWE ring.  That all changed when he debuted at Survivor Series, one year ago.  Since then, he’s had a match with Triple H at WrestleMania, and has also wrestled Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.  With his career coming to a close, it would be fitting to let the “Stinger” go out on top…one last time.

5.) The “Deadman” celebrates his anniversary with a title win

25 years ago, the Undertaker made his WWE debut.   25 years ago, is when the darkness took control of the WWE.   Much like Sting, ‘Taker has done everything that there is to do in this business.  He’s been a 4-time WWE Champion, a 3-time World Heavyweight Champion, 7-time tag-team champion, 2007 Royal Rumble winner, and held the longest undefeated streak in sports-entertainment history, before having it snapped by Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30.  While he has still been able to put out great match, after great match….it’s no secret that the Deadman is close to riding off into the sunset, possibly as soon as right after Survivor Series.   The best way to celebrate Undertaker’s 25 years in this business, is to let him leave as the “Top Dog”

As we come closer and closer to Survivor Series 2015, the speculation will soon become reality.  Daniel Bryan, Triple H, Sting, Roman Reigns, and the Undertaker all exist as possible successor’s to the throne of Seth Rollins.  However, there are a number of other options ranging from Cesaro, to Dean Ambrose, to even Bad News Barrett.   The sad, and possibly interesting thing about WWE….is that you never know just what they’re going to do.  This guy strongly recommends that everyone tunes in to Survivor Series on November 22nd, to see just how things shake out….

Watch WWE Survivor Series on November 22nd at 8 PM Eastern, 5 PM Pacific…..only on the WWE Network, which is only $9.99 per month!

Tags: Brock Lesnar, Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose, injury, Kane, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Ryan Waterman, Seth Rollins, Sting, Survivor Series, TalkSportsPhilly, Triple H, Undertaker, WWE, WWE News, WWE World Heavyweight Championship