Opinion

Is Seth Rollins The New Mr. Monday Night?

Published

7 years ago

March 19, 2018

Seth Rollins has reignited his career on WWE Monday Night Raw, thanks to near weekly amazing performances. Has he taken over the title of the new “Mr. Monday Night”?

It’s nights like these when I remember why I fell in love with professional wrestling. Thank you to the men I shared the ring with this evening. It was truly special. I’ve drawn a line in the sand… #MONDAYNIGHTROLLINS #WrestleMania

— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) February 20, 2018

The comments above came after former WWE champion Seth Rollins wrestled over an hour on Raw as part of the gauntlet match involving all seven men in the seven-way Elimination Chamber match. Rollins defeated Roman Reigns and John Cena during his time in the match and was later defeated by Elias. It didn’t matter who he was in the ring with at that point, he turned heads with his showing on this evening. After he was pinned and rolled out of the ring, fans couldn’t help, but applaud his effort; it was as though fans had once again remembered just how superb of an athlete Seth Rollins is. While they may not have necessarily forgotten how good he was, there is a good reason why he is a former three-time tag team champion and WWE champion.

For nostalgia purposes, having Rollins, Reigns, and Ambrose reunite in 2017 was nice, but it meant Rollins’ personal goals had to take a backseat. However, his commitment to his craft means that, whether he is competing solo or in a team, he is dedicated to making the best of any situation. His success as part of a tag team seemed to put his singles career on the backburner. While the likes of Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns, The Miz and Finn Balor are all being used in strong singles roles, it was the architect who was, ironically, left to be rebuilt and redesigned. Whether that was the intent or not, the question remained as to whether or not Rollins had lost his ability to connect with the audience? It can safely be said after his most recent performance that he is still capable of connecting with the fans.

With that said, to appreciate where Rollins appears to be going is to also to appreciate where he has been. Before there was a Seth Rollins or a Shield, there was simply Colby Lopez, a talented aspiring wrestler from Buffalo, Iowa who had all the raw talent but simply needed the time to develop his craft in order to become a success. Many years ago, before he began to gain notoriety on the independent scene, he faced off against a certain phenomenal competitor that was well versed in his craft. That match between current WWE champion AJ Styles and Lopez, who competed under the name Tyler Black, gave fans something special. Black was 19 years old at the time, and this match went almost thirty minutes. To be so young and be able to hold his own against the more seasoned Styles showed that he was ‘getting it,’ he was beginning to figure out what many nearly ten years his senior struggle with.

Rollins’ journey briefly took him to TNA, where he was part of a tag team match against the original Latin America Exchange. He moved around early in his career, appearing in promotions such as PWG and Full Impact Pro, continuing to earn experience and build a reputation for himself. After his training, and then competing all around the United States, it was during Rollins’ time in Ring of Honor where things began to come together for him. While we could claim that his growth was all of his own doing, he was surrounded by incredibly talented and knowledgeable talent that helped him to harness his skills and make him into what we see today. For instance, early in his career, he was aligned with former WWE creative team member Jimmy Jacobs, forming the faction ‘The Age of the Fall.’ This alliance proved to be quite fruitful for Rollins, who was continuing to compete as Tyler Black, and they worked together for a couple of years until Jacobs turned on him and he later became a face.

While the change of direction was a fresh outlook for the character, it came after he had neck surgery in the fall of the same year. With time and healing, Black returned, and he didn’t just walk back into Ring of Honor in the hope of fitting in. He walked back in and completely tore the roof off the promotion. He had a long-standing feud with Austin Aries, who had attacked him prior to his neck surgery. Black’s most notable match at that point was his now classic 60-minute time limit draw against Aries at Final Battle 2009. It was a really special moment, as he continued to strive for greatness and was rewarded because of it. At Ring of Honor’s Eighth Anniversary, he defeated then ROH World champion Aries to capture the championship. It was amazing to think someone who had only been involved in the sport for five years was now a world champion. He made the most of the opportunity presented to him and faced many notable names in ROH and with each one those matches he improved both as a character and a performer.

By the late summer of 2010, he signed with WWE, meaning he had to start over. The idea of starting over for anyone has to be frustrating, but as someone that was at the top of his previous company, he had to be taken aback because he was simply a guy that had to earn his way once again. Tyler Black was no more, and in his place was Seth Rollins. Some fans had an understanding of whom he was previously or where he came from, but that very small niche audience didn’t impact the trajectory of this newcomer to WWE developmental. Unlike today where a number of the talent that comes into NXT are well known around the world because the exposure of wrestling all over the world has increased, when Rollins first came in it was still FCW, and he was at the grassroots level trying to find its niche.

Rollins eventually defeated Jinder Mahal and became the inaugural NXT champion, something that was celebrated by all. This achievement was the first of many steps in his WWE career. He would find his footing as a singles wrestler, and, but was eventually teamed with two other young and promising talents. As most are aware, in his main roster debut Rollins was aligned with Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose, collectively forming the Shield. This collection of talent was special, as they were a unit that was as effective as a unit as they were as singles wrestlers. Rollins along with Roman Reigns captured the tag team championships, and defended them against anyone and everyone, bulldozing their way through their competition.

However, it is often said that all good things must come to an end. The group split and Rollins was pushed into singles competition and made a significant part of the main event, in the process achieving even greater success. He captured the Money in the Bank briefcase, and cashed it in at Wrestlemania, becoming the WWE champion as a result. Whether he had his own security unit around him or not, he consistently would show just how talented he was regardless of the competition. As a heel, there was no question he was cowardly and would attempt to worm his way out of situations. However, there is no denying that even with his back against the wall he would still come in and steal the show. That has unquestionably been a part of his make up throughout his time with the company. Regardless of whom was added to his side to help ensure he would win, Rollins ultimately succeeded.

We wish that his continued success hadn’t been met with obstacles, but with any sport there is some modicum of risk. Something as simple as a sunset flip, a move he had completed countless times before, resulted in a fluke injury that would sideline him for what was originally forecast to be between, seven and nine months. Speaking as someone that has suffered a torn ACL, the recovery is agonizing and frustrating. However, though at the time it seems as though you haven’t progressed, you just have to push a little further and recovery is very much possible. For Rollins, his recovery included frustration as well, as he not only had to sit out while Wrestlemania came and went, but he was left out of storylines and was a forgotten member of the Raw roster. Then, after he returned and recaptured the WWE championship from Reigns, he lost it the same night to another former friend, Ambrose. He didn’t capture the WWE Universal championship either, as he was pushed back and Kevin Owens was thrust in that position. While he has competed for the title he has not captured the championship.

This leads us to the present, and the former multi-time tag team champion was thrust into tag team competition because that was best for him at the time. However, after a standout performance, and an unfortunate injury suffered by his tag team partner Jason Jordan, it was Rollins’ time to show once again why he can call himself ‘freakin‘. He took over the show and did what Rob Van Dam boasted about doing years ago. The time has now come for a new Mr. Monday Night, and a renewed effort on Raw to feature a man that has worked to regain the attention of the WWE Universe.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter @TheMarcMadison and Instagram @themarcmadison

Feel Free to like my Facebook page Pro Wrestling Post

Feel Free to check out my blog The Wrestling News Hub Magazine including interviews with ROH top prospect tournament entrant, Curt Stallion, Sebastian Suave, Ring of Honor’s Frankie Kazarian, “All Good” Anthony Greene, ‘The Green Machine’ Mike Orlando, Josh Briggs, ROH top prospect finalist John Skyler and current rising Ring of Honor star Flip Gordon with interviews with Tyson Dux, Ivelisse and Madman Fulton (former WWE NXT superstar Sawyer Fulton) and former WWE referee Jimmy Korderas.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1