Unveiling the 'Ruse of the Century'
In a stunning turn of events at SummerSlam 2025, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins executed what has been dubbed the 'Ruse of the Century.' Leading up to the event, Rollins had the wrestling world convinced he was sidelined with a severe knee injury, only to shock fans by cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase at a pivotal moment. This elaborate deception not only fooled the audience but also many within the industry, marking it as one of the most memorable swerves in WWE history.
Rollins revealed that the plan was meticulously crafted with only a select few in the know. 'Less than 10 people knew about the fake injury,' Rollins shared in a recent interview. The storyline began at Saturday Night's Main Event, where he convincingly sold the injury, even traveling to Birmingham, Alabama, for supposed medical evaluation, adding layers of realism to the angle.
Behind the Scenes of the Deception
The commitment to the storyline was extraordinary, with Rollins and his team ensuring every detail was believable. He was seen limping, using crutches, and displaying all the hallmarks of a career-threatening injury. This dedication extended to fooling close colleagues and friends, including wrestling icon John Cena. 'I didn't feel guilty about it,' Rollins admitted, reflecting on the ruse's impact. Cena, upon learning the truth, expressed pride in Rollins' commitment to the performance.
The reveal at SummerSlam was a masterstroke. After CM Punk defeated Gunther to claim the World Heavyweight Championship, Rollins dropped his crutches and cashed in, seizing the title in a moment of vulnerability for Punk. This dramatic twist not only secured Rollins the championship but also cemented his place in WWE lore for pulling off such an intricate plot.
Paul Heyman, a key figure in WWE storytelling, later confirmed that the injury was always 'Plan B.' The strategy was to keep Rollins out of sight after winning the Money in the Bank briefcase, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. This calculated move showcased the depth of planning and secrecy that went into making the ruse successful.
Legacy of Rollins' Historic Swerve
The 'Ruse of the Century' has been widely discussed as one of WWE's greatest swerves, ranking alongside iconic moments in wrestling history. Fans and analysts alike have praised Rollins for his ability to sell the injury so convincingly that even seasoned professionals were taken aback. Posts on X reflect a strong sentiment of admiration for how the storyline unfolded and evolved post-SummerSlam.
Rollins himself has expressed no regrets about the deception. 'I have zero regrets about it,' he stated, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in professional wrestling. His performance has set a new benchmark for commitment to character, inspiring future angles and storylines within the WWE universe. As the current World Heavyweight Champion, Rollins continues to captivate audiences, proving that sometimes, the greatest victories come from the most unexpected deceptions.