Seth Rollins has been absent from WWE programming since his main event showdown with Roman Reigns at SummerSlam.
Rollins has previously missed extensive time due to a knee injury, but his latest absence is injury-related, according to WrestleVotes.
During a Q&A session, WrestleVotes described The Visionary’s absence as a booking decision.
“Everything I’ve been told, it’s a simple break. It’s not an injury, it’s creative.”
The same report also provided a rough timeline for Rollins’ return, which should happen before Oct. 10 when WWE hosts Money in the Bank in New Orleans.
Rollins last appeared at SummerSlam Night 2 at US Bank Stadium. That night, Rollins and his friend-turned-rival Roman Reigns pushed each other to their limits in a 30-minute main event match.
The hard-hitting match sprawled all across the arena, including a trip into the crowd and a few ringside powerbombs.
Even when the referee was knocked out of action, the WWE superstars kept brawling, fighting to decide who was truly “number one.”
In the end, Roman Reigns prevailed, marking his first singles win over Seth Rollins without outside interference.
Following the grueling match, Rollins and Reigns shared a fist bump, an ode to their Shield era.
Seth Rollins’ Absence is Not Injury-Related
GettySeth Rollins’ absence is a booking decision and he could return before MITB
Fans of The Visionary can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Rollins’ recent hiatus is not injury-related.
After such a physically demanding match, in which he was slammed through the announce table and flattened by three consecutive Spears, an injury diagnosis wouldn’t have been shocking.
However, the creative decision to keep Rollins off RAW for a few weeks may be for the best, as it allows the emotional SummerSlam ending to resonate more.
Not only that, but as Rollins pointed out in July, he and Reigns are “much closer to the end than they are to the beginning.”
During his absence from WWE programming, rising WWE talent like Oba Femi, Bron Breakker, Roxanne Perez, Sol Ruca and Je’Von Evans have been afforded more spotlight.
However, Rollins is far from yesterday’s news, and likely has big plans for his impending return.
Given that he should be back in time for Money in the Bank, Rollins may plan to enter and win his third Money in the Bank match.
Several WWE Stars Have Been Absent From TV
GettyDrew McIntyre has been absent from WWE programming since WrestleMania 42
Seth Rollins is not the only WWE star omitted from WWE programming in recent months.
Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre has been absent since his brutal Unsanctioned Match against Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania 42.
Ricky Saints, Bayley and Jordynne Grace have also fallen off the radar for a considerable amount of time.
It is unclear whether their absences are a creative or injury-based decision.
WWE Makes Decision on Seth Rollins’ Absence