Republished from Forbes
It’s been a tough month for the WWE, at a time when they should be ecstatic. Earlier in the month, WWE announced the company’s Q3 2015 financial resultswhich showcased a strong third-quarter. The numbers showed an increase in WWE Network subscribers, which showed a 62% increase from Q3 2014.
But then the news of Seth Rollins’ injury hit the wire and everything changed. Rollins’ injury not only impacted the WWE’s Survivor Series plans but it also impacted their initial plans for WrestleMania 32, which was likely to see Rollins (defending the title) square off against both Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns in the main event.
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 23: John Cena enters the ring at the WWE SummerSlam 2015 at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on August 23, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images)
Yes, Rollins’ injury and the potential fallout created opportunity and rushed fans into a “dream match making” scenario, but it also forced their Creative Department not only to consider solutions but also plan on how to carry the positive financial momentum into 2016 and WrestleMania 32.
It’s been rumored that an Undertaker vs. John Cena scenario had been considered for ‘Mania’ and although Sting vs Undertaker has not been 100% removed from the table, Sting’s health may effect the chances of that match from ever happening.
WWE had invested so much over the past year to build Seth Rollins as their top heel (villain) and his loss leaves WWE in desperate need of a powerful heel character. They teased a Roman Reigns heel turn and there has been speculation that Dean Ambrose could turn heel as well, but they aren’t likely to have the immediate impact that WWE may hope, the impact Rollins would have had if healthy.
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