Backstage Reports Suggest SummerSlam Swerve Has Been In Motion for Weeks

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Rollins’ injury — which appeared to occur during a match with LA Knight at Saturday Night's Main Event— was actually part of a planned angle. The idea was to stage a legitimate-looking injury to fool fans. WWE has actually taken things a step further and is keeping most of their plans quiet from the backstage crew and and even much of the WWE locker room.

Only a select few were reportedly aware that the segment was staged, and those in the know are treating it as a genuine injury.

The report adds that, as per the original creative plans, Rollins was scheduled to return during the main event of night one, which was set to feature GUNTHER defending the World Heavyweight Championship against CM Punk. It's important to note that other media outlets and reporters are suggesting that Rollins is dealing with a real injury, and at best, the entire situation remains murky.

What Is WWE Trying to Pull Off Here?

The finish would have seen Rollins cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase and win the World Title.

The reason this seems like a plausible theory is because of what's happened since the injury. Rollins went on the Rich Eisen show and explained that the delayed MRI means they don't know how long he'll be out. Is the lack of detail strategic? Some wonder if the initial lack of buzz around the new Rollins faction prompted WWE to devise a way to generate extra engagement.

Internally, some within WWE reportedly described the situation as “Machiavellian." Considering Rollins' past and his alignment with Paul Heyman, it's not wild to envision this all being an elaborate setup. This injury is getting mainstream attention, which might be what WWE was hoping for.

While the original SummerSlam card also featured John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes as the main event for night two, the planned Rollins-Punk-GUNTHER twist could be a way to steal the spotlight on night one.