Simon RushworthWith WrestleMania approaching fast our King Of The Ring, Andy Spoors, continues his countdown of the top talent leading the WEE charge in 2023. Today’s one to watch is Seth Rollins.
In the best sense possible, it feels like Seth Rollins has been around forever in WWE.
That is usually enough to ensure any normal Superstar would fade in popularity or fall down the pecking order towards mid-card obscurity.
Seth Rollins however, is no ordinary Superstar.
Ridiculously smooth in the ring and charismatic to the extreme, The Visionary has drawn comparisons to some of the biggest Superstars in the company’s history.
One of the few on the roster that can lose a feud but emerge better for it, Rollins always feels close to the main event no matter who he is facing.
Sure Cody Rhodes returning at Mania last year felt like a big deal, but it was Rollins putting in the hard yards during the build up that created the original story.
Last year Rollins sat down with respected journalist Ariel Helwani, telling the world that he has never felt like the man.
Even when champion, his perception has been that someone else has been the face of the business.
Perhaps more of a self-evaluation than reality, it is that mentality that continues to push Rollins to be the best on the roster.
Playing his part in boosting the standing of the US Championship last year, it is now time for Rollins to become the face of the company once and for all.
Few Superstars could follow the remarkable title Roman Reigns is currently enjoying and escape the tag of transitional champion, but Rollins has proven month after month that he can handle the pressure.
One of the aforementioned comparisons Rollins has found himself tied to, is that of Rowdy Roddy Piper.
Heralded as one of the most popular and respected wrestlers of his time, Piper never needed the championship to be a fan favourite, yet was consistently considered the go to guy for WWE.
At WrestleMania, Rollins will take on the human embodiment of Marmite when he faces YouTube sensation Logan Paul.
It may look underwhelming on paper but after laying on a fantastic match against Roman Reigns last year and other feuds against the likes of The Miz and The Mysterios, Paul has proven he is a natural in the ring.
Willing to take chances and risks where full-time Superstars would not, Paul has a devil may care attitude that has led many members of the WWE Universe to believe this could be the match that steals the show in Los Angeles.
The wider mainstream and social media will be interesting onlookers here, potentially putting thousands if not millions of new eyes on Rollins and his expertise in his field.
It may not be a championship main event against Reigns but, arguably, this could be the biggest spot outside of that type of match.
Another potential reason for his placement in this match is the incredible amount of faith WWE has in Rollins.
With so much outside interest, the company needed to ensure the match will be safe but provide big spots to make their guest look great in victory or defeat. Rollins fits all that criteria.
An unenviable position to be in, but beloved nonetheless, the rest of 2023 might be the year those comparisons stop and Seth Rollins can banish the demons he holds on to.