Seth Rollins Is The *NEW* WWE World Heavyweight Champion

[Jack-Hammer]

Yep, the title of the thread says it all. Seth Rollins cashed in his MITB briefcase in the closing minutes of the Lesnar vs. Reigns match, turning it into a triple threat match, scored a Curb Stomp on a beaten & exhausted Roman Reigns and captured the title, becoming the first MITB winner to cash in at WrestleMania.

 

[chicagokmc]

I had no problem with how this went down. It put at end to the ridiculously long MITB reign. Lesnar doesn't look bad - he took punishment but didn't get pinned. Reigns doesn't even look that bad - he got beat only after taking a Lesnar pummeling and he has been the only person so far to make Lesnar look close to human. Orton doesn't look bad - he actually clean pinned Rollins. Rollins looks great and the fans got to see a different, creative form of MITB cash-in. Will things just move forward now like we expect them? I don't know. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a Heyman swerve in all of this some where. But for now I like Rollins as champ. Many predicted this. Let the Rollins era begin.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

Very well done and saved the show in many ways... it wasn't "bad" but it was very disjointed... Bray's injury obviously forced some changes...

Brock deserves a shit tonne of credit here, he clearly told Reigns to shoot on him when he was allowed a shot and it made it believable... Brock comes out stronger, he had the full crimson mask pretty much and his old Mania concussion demon AND not being pinned...

Reigns. hmmm just pulled it off, the one thing he did do was follow Brock's orders... when he got a shot, it was uber stiff and bloodied Brock more each time... playing the "he can bleed" card to the hilt... It showed his limitations though, far too many Superman punches for it to stay his finisher...

Rollins.... my hat is off to you sir... that was not only the best cash in but the best end to a Mania in YEARS... it beats Bryan, it's up there with Benoit and Eddie... not cos he's "oh so credible" but we have long dreamed of a Mania cash in... and for 90% of it you REALLY thought he was gonna mess it up. For me the indicator was earlier in the night... make no mistake he carried the match with Orton, Randy managed a few spots, but that was all Rollins...

We now have the possibility of Rollins v Orton, Brock, Reigns... they all are coming after him... J&J Security ain't gonna cut it... I get the feeling a certain "fella" will be backing him up very soon, along with Mr. Heyman...guaranteed to ditch Brock tomorrow night for Rollins...

Kudos WWE, Bray's injury fucked a lot up with the show, you could see that, but they pulled it round AND gave us hope that our attitude era/TV-14 wishes MAY come true...

It wasn't quite the Mania 11 I predicted...but Rollins win elevates it.

 

[XXJJ]

Excellent ending.... Now you got a pissed off Brock & Heyman, issues between Reigns/Rollins, and Randy Orton who just beat the current champ clean just a couple of hours earlier and never received his title rematch..They set up a lot of great angles moving forward!

 

[Navi]

Loved the ending. The match was great, Brock is a beast. Reigns had him wobbling, but Brock was so dominant, that if he hasn't won it would have been a waste. Reigns did himself well though, and I just hope he's okay after being thrown around like that.

Rollins cash in was one of the best moments of the night, and saved the match. Everyone will be gunning for him now. We have a great few months of wrestling coming up I think.

 

[SacredMesa]

You know as I saw Reigns giving Lesnar the Superman punches and spears I found myself really concerned that they where really going to have him go over cleanly and would of really hated this show. When Rollins music hit I hit my roof and was thrilled and that he made the match into a triple threat and pinned Reigns I was thrilled.

We get a new champ, everything that Lesnar has built up remains protected, Reigns looked ok but frankly that doesn't matter as he's going no where in the main event as things are right now and it sets up a lot of potential ways they could go.

In terms of MiTB cash ins I have to agree this ranks up there as one of the best. The only other two that I think competes with it was Edge's original cash in on Cena after the Elimination Chamber, and RVD's cash in at One Night Stand. This one was great.

 

[Dagger Dias]

This was awesome. The main event ended up going EXACTLY the way I was hoping it would. We have a new World Heavyweight Champion who truly deserves it in Seth Rollins. I'm looking forward to seeing him enter the likely feud with Roman Reigns over the next couple of months, and seeing Lesnar's reaction on Raw tomorrow. I had such low expectations for this match and the cash-in was the best way to save it due to neither Lesnar retaining nor Reigns winning being good options. Plus, now after the concept has been around for an entire decade, we FINALLY have seen a cash-in at Wrestlemania.

Congratulations, Seth. You deserve it. Also, that was the best Money In The Bank cash-in of all time. Your epic Wrestlemania moment will be remembered forever.

 

[CrucifiedRaven]

I mean really, could they have booked this any more perfectly??

I watched WrestleMania with 3 friends who watch wrestling once a year. Only WrestleMania. All 3 of them were like "Why is Daniel Bryan, who won the World Championship last year in the first match?"

They were also like "Brock Lesnar is a legitimate beast, who is this long haired guy?"

Lesnar is a star. Bryan was becoming a star. Reigns can become a star but he wasn't close yet. Rollins/Orton was a great match with a fucking awesome ending. A memorable ending. And Rollins cashing in at the end of the night was pure genius. Excellent booking. Reigns wasn't over. Lesnar was a babyface. The match was good, but everyone was expecting the Rocky cookie cutter underdog comeback. Cue Rollins. It was amazing, and I'm so glad they went through with it.

Rollins vs Reigns
Rollins vs Reigns vs Lesnar
Rollins vs Orton II
Rollins vs Lesnar

They are set until SummerSlam.

 

[blueskyy]

The ending was great. The main event itself didn't disappoint. Reigns demonstrated that not only does he has the potential, he is ready for the big leagues. Brock Lesnar showed that he could work a match perfectly fine with anyone.

Orton vs. Rollins match was the runner up.

The biggest letdown of the night for me is the Intercontinental Ladder Match... For the longest time, Bryan wasn't in the match. It was until the very last moment that he emerged and took and belt.

The Undertaker vs. Bray Wyatt match was meh... good thing I didn't go in with much expectations.

 

[Canadasam]

I knew Rollins had to come away with the strap without having to pin Brock, This was the best way to do it... Not only the first ever Mania cash in but I'm not sure about "cashing in" history but to cash in during an already started singles match to convert it into a triple threat is a first also right?

A lot of options now to go for Rollins title run.... Obvious feud with Orton will start tomorrow...As much heart Roman had tonight he isn't there yet... I want Roman taking on Rusev and/or Sheamas, I'm still predicting Sheamas and Rusev will be Authority members soon enough where the Authority will hold all 3 singles tiles by Money in the Bank...Where I believe Brock will return at Money in the Bank for his rematch!

The WWE title will be on TV and PPV's again and that's best for business!

 

[kumarjtk]

what a fucking finish. They absolutely ruined roman road to wm. 2 years in a row wwe cheating royal rumble winners. Next year i didnt care about rumble winner. I dont know why wwe build roman like that. I dislike rollins cash in at mania.

 

[MWRedskins]

great way to end the night. my hope is that Rollins has a lengthy run, at least until SummerSlam, i wouldn't even mind him holding it until Survivor Series, i think Rollins is THAT good in the ring and on the mic. if Heyman were to join him, that would make him better, but if anyone didnt need Heyman, it's Rollins. his mic work is real good. i always thought he reminded me of CM Punk a bit. i liked how he cashed in and how he did it. it's one of the best cash ins. if i had to rank my cash in top 5, it would be like this...1) Edge's cash in on Cena......2) Seth's cash in on Lesnar/Reigns.....3) Punk's cash in on Edge.......4) Punk's cash in on Hardy......5) Ziggler's cash in on Del Rio. as for feuds, Rollins can have some great feuds. clearly he has to feud with Reigns and Orton and even Brock and hopefully Daniel Bryan and Dean Ambrose.

 

[GeminiGarlord]

It doesn't make all much sense to have Rollins lose to Orton if you want to make him exit the show as champion

Apart from this I'm extremely happy, he is probably the more deserving of the title, having basically carried the whole show for three months at this points

 

[Canadasam]

It doesn't make all much sense to have Rollins lose to Orton if you want to make him exit the show as champion

Sets up the feud for a couple of months with Orton while Brock is off on vacation, I don't see Roman being in the WWE title picture, Roman will get his dues by getting the US title and IC title when Sheamas and/or Rusev are the champs. I don't see Cena and Bryan having long runs with their belts.

 

[Dragonslayer]

Fantastic ending, loved it. I guess you could tell by the crowd reaction that a clean Reigns win just wouldn't go over well, and WWE assessed that correctly by having Seth Rollins cash in, and win.

This finish accomplishes to many things at once:

- Brock Lesnar is protected and STILL doesn't get pinned or submitted
- It turns Brock Lesnar completely face, if that's the way they wanna go
- Roman Reigns is protected, by being pinned only after being BRUTALIZED first by Brock Lesnar and THEN hit with Curb Stomps from Rollins as well
- Seth Rollins is now officially a superstar, after working his ass off for the last year and really running with the ball that was, in what first seemed an unlikely turn of events, given to him, and exceeding ALL expectations. Not only gets he to take the belt off Brock Lesnar, it also works perfectly in tune with his heel character, to get the cheap win but not QUITE so cheap (as say, attacking the new champ AFTER the match with a chair and then cashing in or something along those lines); and it provides for a tremendous Wrestlemania moment to have him cash in that way and walk out with the strap.

This not only sets up the Reigns/Rollins feud that will work beautifully, it also sets up for a Lesnar rematch down the road with whoever is champion then, for a potential big-match showdown.

They just have to let Rollins ride that heat wave now as long and as far as he can - out of all the stars WWE have been trying to make over the past year, Rollins definitely stood out and was the one that worked. Kudos to him, and to the booking - that worked down to a "t".

 

[MERPER]

Great ending for all the reasons already stated.

Booked and written perfectly for all involved and sets up so many angles, storylines and possibilities going forward.

 

[Wald]

I popped big time when it happened but in the cold light of morning I actually don't like the move for a number of reasons.

Reason 1: What was the point of Brock beating the Undertaker last year again?

I was on this forum arguing that Lesnar beating Taker was a good move because it transfers the Streak's heat over to Brock to carry on as a heel. The idea being that eventually, even calling that it would be this year's Mania, that either the Undertaker or a new guy like Roman Reigns would beat him and would be our saviour.

Now I know creative have botched Reigns' run at the belt but Rollins' cash-in to win the belt by not even pinning Lesnar just shows how they've squandered what the Streak was so badly. Honestly it's a massive screw up that would see the head of creative get the boot in any other company.

Reason 2: A B+ Finish For an A+ Show

Yeah I know it was exciting to watch but there's so something very In Your House about finishing a Wrestlemania like that. I enjoyed it on the night but I wouldn't ever do it again now that it has been done. That leads us to...

Reason 3: I think Money in the Bank has run its course

There's only so many times I can see a dastardly heel run out and cash in when the champion is in a vulnerable state. I think I reached that stage a few years ago but getting a Wrestlemania cash in was always something to look forward to. That's been done now and I think it might time to retire Money in the Bank as a concept. It allows creative to lazily book a talented heel like Seth Rollins as just another Edge wannabe far too often.

 

[Seosa]

It was one of those moments where you suspend disbelief & really get sucked in, like a haunting moment. I remember during the triple threat at the Rumble thinking to myself, "Rollins is Main Event", he had developed so quickly and so brilliantly. That last night was a true Mania moment.

 

[OYDK]

That was fucking brilliant! Man,for the past 2 months or so I assumed Rollins would cash-in at Wrestlemania, especially afer he lost to Randy Orton, but the Reigns/Lesnar match completely tossed the thought out of my head. When Rollins music hit, I was more shocked that I didn't see it coming at that point more than anything, but yes, fantastic ending.

Will be interesting to see the WWE landscape going forward with Rollins, Cena, and Bryan as the champions.

 

[Seosa]

I'm also glad they had him cash in when he did as opposed to post match. Nice twist.

 

[rge2010]

Didn't Edge lose his title at EC a few years ago only to win another title later on in the night? Bret Hart was beaten by Owen Hart, but then went on to beat Yokozuna at Mania 10.

I have no issues with Orton beating Rollins only for Rollins to walk out as Champion later on. It kinda 'rights the wrongs' from that defeat doesn't it? Orton now has a stake in his claim for a title shot as he beat 'the future champ' and I also think Reigns will be involved for a short while as he will demand a rematch.

Rollins vs Orton vs Reigns as Extreme Rules Main Event? Sounds good to me.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

I popped big time when it happened but in the cold light of morning I actually don't like the move for a number of reasons.

Reason 1: What was the point of Brock beating the Undertaker last year again?

I was on this forum arguing that Lesnar beating Taker was a good move because it transfers the Streak's heat over to Brock to carry on as a heel. The idea being that eventually, even calling that it would be this year's Mania, that either the Undertaker or a new guy like Roman Reigns would beat him and would be our saviour.

Now I know creative have botched Reigns' run at the belt but Rollins' cash-in to win the belt by not even pinning Lesnar just shows how they've squandered what the Streak was so badly. Honestly it's a massive screw up that would see the head of creative get the boot in any other company.

Reason 2: A B+ Finish For an A+ Show

Yeah I know it was exciting to watch but there's so something very In Your House about finishing a Wrestlemania like that. I enjoyed it on the night but I wouldn't ever do it again now that it has been done. That leads us to...

Reason 3: I think Money in the Bank has run its course

There's only so many times I can see a dastardly heel run out and cash in when the champion is in a vulnerable state. I think I reached that stage a few years ago but getting a Wrestlemania cash in was always something to look forward to. That's been done now and I think it might time to retire Money in the Bank as a concept. It allows creative to lazily book a talented heel like Seth Rollins as just another Edge wannabe far too often.

Really?

Point 1 is obvious... they have created TWO new main event stars from it, and it was likely always between them as to who got the nod at Mania. Taker would have no problem with Rollins coming out on top this way cos it's good business and he'd see the work Rollins has put in.

The interesting thing is whether this was part of Brock's "walkout" a few weeks back...was it that he was unhappy Rollins was going to cash in, or that Reigns was slated to pin him, THEN be cashed in on... This seemed a little like a "placate Brock" finish, in that he doesn't get beat himself but it made MITB all the more relevant. Now we know that you can go to Mania with it and win... the case will be a much more important thing going forward, perhaps the famed 24/7 rule revival we've heard so much about will extend to the case? Not that they fight in Airports etc (Quantas bag handler Joe is cashing in...) but that the case is defended like a title in every match the holder has.

It's wrong to say the ending was B+, the show itself was and this raised it. Like I said, Bray's injury probably led to some juggling of the card and a shortening of his match. The double use of Triple H was the "In Your Houseness" of the show.

But make no mistake Rollins is now "The Guy" and he deserves to be. Brock had his time for now and now, if he has a multi year deal gets to rest up and prepare for "the big one" next year with Rocky...

 

[Wald]

I know I sound like the stereotypical hate absolutely everything WWE internet fan with that but I do feel that Brock breaking the Streak amounts to a hill of beans right now. Seth Rollins didn't beat the 1 in 21 and 1, he beat the other guy in the match. I agree with protecting Brock but it does make me think they wasted the entire build up of the Streak and its legacy. Undertaker doesn't feel anywhere near as special any more and Brock didn't transfer his heat to anyone from it. I know it wasn't 100% WWE's fault, the fans turning on Reigns to the extent they did necessitated Reigns not winning the match. It just feels like a bit of a waste to me.

One final thing on that match. It's time for WWE fans to cut Reigns some slack. Lesnar did a great job of calling the match but Reigns played his part of a guy who is all heart but is maybe lacking the experience to put Brock away very, very well. That's two very good PPV main events out of him in a row and he isn't the WWE Champion now either. I hope he gets mostly cheers from the Raw crowd tonight for his efforts.

 

[THTRobtaylor]

Here's the thing...and there is no getting away from it.. the streak was the thing that was overrated in importance. It had almost become an albatross round their and Taker's necks...

Ending it to Brock didn't need any other purpose, no mythical "He Must Win Next Year", it was just time to end that so WWE and Taker could both move on from it. It amounts to something cos the guy who beat him held the title dominantly for the year, and made said title important. It wasn't some rookie who could squander the chance, but a guy who made sense to end the streak... let's face it there haven't been many in that 22.

Guys like Rollins and Bray are exactly who Taker would WANT to put over now, I think it's a shame Bray was clearly injured last night... I think that had he not been, we may have seen him win...

Reigns is up there now, he didn't choke, but his limitations were there for all to see... the "needs work" is truer now than it was before, but he wasn't awful or even bad... he stepped up enough for people and WWE I think to give him that time and put him with Rollins or Rusev, guys he knows well from NXT who he can grow with in a feud. He needs more moves, that much is clear, he needs a better look build wise so he can lose the vest... basically he needs his own gimmick, not the "Solo Shield" and a submission finish and he will improve naturally from there.

Rollins probably has to "run the gauntlet" as on paper, you have Brock, Orton and Bryan (IC champ as #1 contender... very likely) with rematches "stored up" and Taker and Reigns who could arguably claim title shots based on Mania... hell Rollins may have to face Sting... It's going to be exciting cos instead of an absentee champion you're gonna have a champ there week in week out, but using Brock logic to avoid the challengers... how Seth escapes will become part of the show like all the great heel champions and I am sure Heyman will be the guy who is orchestrating that.

Remember of the matches on the main show this year, they nearly all, with the exception of Sting and Hunter had someone in there who was in their first 3 Mania's, some like Rusev and Paige in their first... and they ALL acquitted themselves brilliantly...especially Bray, his ankle went 3 or 4 times and he was clearly in pain... but it worked and he'll gain big points for it...just as Rollins will for making Orton's lack of interest into something special.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Excellent ending.... Now you got a pissed off Brock & Heyman, issues between Reigns/Rollins, and Randy Orton who just beat the current champ clean just a couple of hours earlier and never received his title rematch..They set up a lot of great angles moving forward!

Totally agree; the ending of this match does a great job in setting things up for the future. Brock is still a monster for having dished out all that punishment .....Roman has solidified his position by selling for Brock while mounting a great-looking attack at the very end that almost pulled out victory for him.......and Seth is golden for being the new champ, achieving the win in the manner he's achieved everything else, with subterfuge and cunning.

Plus, how ironic is it that at the very end of the match, Roman saved Rollins by dropkicking Brock just as Lesnar was about to put the F5 on Seth? It was that very maneuver that knocked Brock out of the ring and enabled Rollins to curb stomp Reigns for the win.

And now, Seth Rollins is a marked man with a lot of angry, powerful people targeting him. The fact Seth using outside interference and cheating tactics to achieve everything was annoying when he was pursuing the title.....now that he's got it, he'll find his opponents being a lot more determined to stop him from getting away with it.