SummerSlam Showdown: Why Seth Rollins Should Reign Supreme

The July 22 edition of Monday Night Raw set the stage for WWE’s SummerSlam, the wrestling extravaganza that promises to be a highlight of the summer for wrestling fans worldwide. As anticipation builds, several key storylines emerged, shaping the landscape of what promises to be an eventful pay-per-view.

One of the most significant announcements of the night came from none other than CM Punk, who declared himself officially cleared to compete. This revelation immediately set the wheels in motion for a highly anticipated match between “The Best in the World” and Drew McIntyre. The clash between these two wrestling titans has been brewing for some time, and fans are eagerly awaiting their showdown at SummerSlam.

However, the announcement came with an unexpected twist: Seth “Freakin” Rollins will serve as the special guest referee for the CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre match. This development raised eyebrows among fans and wrestling pundits alike, sparking a mix of curiosity and skepticism about Rollins’ role in the bout.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated between Damian Priest and Gunther, who transitioned from mere opponents to bitter rivals after their verbal sparring escalated into a physical brawl. Their feud adds an extra layer of intensity to the SummerSlam card, promising a hard-hitting encounter between two formidable competitors.

In the realm of the women’s division, Rhea Ripley made a bold move by pushing “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio to choose her over Liv Morgan. This decision left the Women’s World Champion devastated, setting the stage for potential fireworks leading up to SummerSlam as alliances and rivalries continue to evolve.

Another highlight from Monday Night Raw was Bron Breakker’s victory over Ilja Dragunov, earning him another shot at the Intercontinental Championship currently held by Sami Zayn. Breakker’s ascent in WWE has been met with excitement from fans, and his pursuit of championship gold adds an element of youthful vigor to the SummerSlam lineup.

Overall, this edition of Raw effectively set the stage for a special SummerSlam event, highlighting key angles and rivalries that will define WWE’s biggest stories of the summer. As the countdown to SummerSlam continues, the spotlight is on these feuds and matchups, each contributing to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the grand event.

However, amidst the buildup and excitement, one storyline that has sparked debate and concern among fans is Seth Rollins’ role as the special guest referee for the CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre match. Rollins, known for his stellar in-ring performances and charismatic persona, has been a pivotal figure in WWE storylines over the years. Yet, 2024 has proven to be a somewhat subdued year for Rollins, characterized by notable absences and health issues that have impacted his availability and storyline involvement.

While Rollins’ health is reportedly stable and he is cleared to compete, his placement as a referee in the CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre match has raised eyebrows. Many fans and critics argue that Rollins’ talent and star power merit a more prominent role on the SummerSlam card, rather than serving as a peripheral figure in someone else’s storyline.

Reflecting on WrestleMania XL earlier in the year, Rollins was a prominent figure but arguably took a backseat to other top stars like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, The Rock, and even newcomers like CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. This positioning at WrestleMania hinted at a transitional phase for Rollins, where he was still involved in significant storylines but not necessarily at the forefront of the main event scene.

For SummerSlam, a pay-per-view second only to WrestleMania in importance, many believe that Rollins should be featured more prominently. His character work and in-ring ability are undeniable assets that could contribute to the drama and spectacle of a major matchup or feud. Instead, placing him as a referee in a match between two established stars like Punk and McIntyre feels like a missed opportunity to capitalize on Rollins’ star power.

Furthermore, the argument extends to the narrative dynamics of the CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre feud itself. While having a referee of Rollins’ caliber ensures added intrigue and potential for storyline twists, there are other WWE superstars who could fulfill the enforcer role equally effectively. This could free up Rollins to engage in feuds that better showcase his talents, whether as a protagonist or antagonist in a compelling storyline.

In the context of Monday Night Raw and beyond, there are numerous avenues WWE could explore to maximize Rollins’ impact. One suggestion is involving him more deeply in the ongoing drama surrounding Judgment Day on Raw, where his presence could elevate the stakes and fan interest. Alternatively, building up a rising heel like Chad Gable, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, or Pete Dunne could provide fresh matchups and storyline opportunities for Rollins to shine.

Ultimately, WWE’s decision to position Seth Rollins as the special guest referee at SummerSlam reflects their broader strategy for managing talent and storylines. While fans may express reservations about Rollins’ current role, the dynamic nature of professional wrestling ensures that narratives can evolve quickly, with opportunities for unexpected twists and character developments.

As SummerSlam approaches, the wrestling world eagerly anticipates how WWE will navigate these storylines and showcase its roster of talented performers. Whether Seth Rollins remains in his referee role or finds himself embroiled in new rivalries, the stage is set for a memorable event that will captivate audiences and shape the future of WWE’s programming heading into the fall season.