WWE SmackDown: Seth Rollins Connection to Masked Man Revealed

Paul faced Jacob Fatu in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match to replace Jey Uso, who was attacked at the start of the show. Austin Theory was at ringside along with Paul Heyman for the match.

The masked man hit a superkick on Theory before attempting to deliver a Curb Stomp, only for Paul to interject. The Maverick managed to pull off his mask, revealing an unfamiliar face.

Even SmackDown commentator Joe Tessitore questioned who the individual was, asking, "Who the hell is that?" and "That's the masked man?" Fans on X ridiculed the reveal, and one even suggested, "They completely scrapped the entire storyline."

That doesn't appear to be the case, though, as the wrestler in question was Don Furio, and he is a student at Seth Rollins' Black and Brave Wrestling Academy. It seems that Rollins might have decoys in place to do his dirty work before he is cleared to compete.

Rollins was put on the shelf in storyline by The Vision when they betrayed him on WWE RAW back in September. He was expected to return and face Breakker until the latter suffered a serious hernia injury in January.

Don Furio has made appearances on WWE NXT and usually portrays an Italian heel character. He competes on the Independent Circuit and goes by the nickname The Italian Steel.

Masked Man Angle Continues

The masked man angle has been running since Survivor Series, when Theory initially used the gimmick to help The Vision. He revealed his identity in December, but that wasn't the end of the angle.

When Breakker went to make his entrance as entrant number two at the Royal Rumble last month, he was attacked by another masked man. He was hit with a Curb Stomp to suggest that it was either Rollins coming back for revenge or that a decoy had been recruited to help him out.

Paul eventually defeated Fatu on SmackDown and replaced Jey in the Elimination Chamber. He will now face Randy Orton, LA Knight, Cody Rhodes, Je'Von Evans and Trick Williams in the Chamber, and the winner goes on to WrestleMania 42 and challenges Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship.