[97 HBK]

You mean that rightful title that Dean won from him at the next PPV?

I'm still mad they brought him back as a heel back then. The crowds clearly wanted to cheer him, but they made him back into a chickenshit? It was so stupid. I still remember rolling my eyes after the brand split when Stephanie put him in the Universal title match without having to earn it. Thank god they turned him face after Summerslam.

I was actually watching some stuff between Seth & Dean from back then last night, and getting annoyed that people's view of their feuds got tarnished by their 2018 feud when the 2014, 2015 and 2016 stuff they did together was so good. Bah.

It was Ambrose's rightful title the next month. But when Seth first returned here, it was still his!

Meltzer gave Rollins/Styles 4.5 stars. Here is his write-up for those interested:

Meltzer: "The show featured a Seth Rollins Universal title defense over A.J. Styles that may have been WWE’s best main roster match so far this year."

Seth Rollins retained the Universal title over A.J. Styles in 19:50. Both guys looked in slightly better shape than usual. You could really see it with Styles. There were dueling chants. Rollins did a tope knocking Styles into the announces table. Then he did a second tope. Rollins did a buckle bomb and frog splash for a near fall. The frog splash looked awesome in slow motion. It was one big spot after another. Styles used a torture rack into a power bomb for a near fall. Rollins used a reverse superplex, the move Ultimo Guerrero uses, for a near fall. Styles did the moonsault into reverse DDT for a near fall. The crowd got really hot. Rollins went for a curb stomp but Styles reversed it into a Styles clash for a near fall. Styles went for the phenomenal forearm but Rollins moved out of the way. Rollins used a ripcord knee, a superkick and got the pin with a curb stomp. Styles confronted him after the match like he wanted to fight him. Styles then offered his hand. Some fans booed, but when they shook hands, the people cheered. ****½

 

[751161]

So I'm posting my review of Seth/AJ because @Showstopper ; asked me nicely.

On to the match, I think it's one of the best matches of the year. It could have been the best if they didn't hold back, it was a nice little preview of things to come. I know that will divide people with some of the NXT matches that have gone down, but I really, really loved it. Compared to most NXT matches, I was way more invested in to this match as a big Seth fan, and just seeing him interact with AJ was amazing. I liked that they proved a lot of doubters wrong who say guys like Seth & AJ are all about 'flips' and nothing else, it proves both guys have psychology and know how to work a classic Wrestling match. There was almost no flips, just a hard hitting back and forth, with good moments and believable spots.

There was many moments I was like tapping myself saying "You're watching AJ Styles and Seth Rollins wrestle eachother!" I've re-watched it since the event, and it's one of those matches I'll likely re-visit every once in a while. I really think this is the start of a special feud for both of these guys. Imagine a big payoff at one of the Big 4 events.

Also, whilst I'm here, I really enjoyed that RAW segment with Seth/Brock. I loved Seth's intensity and standing up to Brock and getting in his face. That looked really good from Seth.

 

[97 HBK]

So I'm posting my review of Seth/AJ because @Showstopper ; asked me nicely.

On to the match, I think it's one of the best matches of the year. It could have been the best if they didn't hold back, it was a nice little preview of things to come. I know that will divide people with some of the NXT matches that have gone down, but I really, really loved it. Compared to most NXT matches, I was way more invested in to this match as a big Seth fan, and just seeing him interact with AJ was amazing. I liked that they proved a lot of doubters wrong who say guys like Seth & AJ are all about 'flips' and nothing else, it proves both guys have psychology and know how to work a classic Wrestling match. There was almost no flips, just a hard hitting back and forth, with good moments and believable spots.

There was many moments I was like tapping myself saying "You're watching AJ Styles and Seth Rollins wrestle eachother!" I've re-watched it since the event, and it's one of those matches I'll likely re-visit every once in a while. I really think this is the start of a special feud for both of these guys. Imagine a big payoff at one of the Big 4 events.

Also, whilst I'm here, I really enjoyed that RAW segment with Seth/Brock. I loved Seth's intensity and standing up to Brock and getting in his face. That looked really good from Seth.

Well said.

Yeah, I already gave it a rewatch earlier this week, too. Even better on second watch, IMO. It just felt different than the typical WWE PPV match. Even the typical big WWE PPV main event match. The entire flow of the match just felt better to me.

And yeah, as I said in the PM to you, I think they were told to hold back alittle bit and give the fans just a 'taste' so to speak of what's to come either at SummerSlam or WM (or maybe even both?). I'm fine with that, they still delivered big time, even just for a MITB match.

Also agree with the Seth/Brock segment. People always used to bitch that Seth ran away from Brock (and others) in 2015 too much. Well, we're not getting that anymore. That's for sure. Thanks for posting your thoughts.

 

[751161]

Well said.

Yeah, I already gave it a rewatch earlier this week, too. Even better on second watch, IMO. It just felt different than the typical WWE PPV match. Even the typical big WWE PPV main event match. The entire flow of the match just felt better to me.

And yeah, as I said in the PM to you, I think they were told to hold back alittle bit and give the fans just a 'taste' so to speak of what's to come either at SummerSlam or WM (or maybe even both?). I'm fine with that, they still delivered big time, even just for a MITB match.

Also agree with the Seth/Brock segment. People always used to bitch that Seth ran away from Brock (and others) in 2015 too much. Well, we're not getting that anymore. That's for sure. Thanks for posting your thoughts.

I'd actually be interested to see who was behind majority of that match, in terms of the structure and pacing, because it was so much better than most main roster matches. For a brief moment, I felt like I was watching an NXT Takeover Match. :lol

I think it's one of Seth's strongest matches. Whilst he definitely impresses with all the moves he can pull off, I really think this match showed why he's a favourite for many people, myself included. The guy knows how to wrestle. Place him in a big match like this, and he won't let you down. Despite people saying he doesn't understand psychology countless times on here, he proved he does.

I'd really love to see this match at SummerSlam or WrestleMania, it deserves that stage. The crowd was fine at MITB, but they deserve a hotter atmosphere. You could tell by the end, the crowd was starting to realize "Damn, we're seeing something quite special here". AJ came off so much better than his Nakamura matches, I always knew it was on Nakamura. He's so boring to me. I couldn't get invested in anything he did. So good to see AJ deliver with a big feud again.

Seth has come a long way since the cowardly days. Everything about the segment was what I want to see out of a Seth Rollins in 2019. He just comes across like an entirely different guy. I could tell Brock was enjoying it, too. He got in to the segment. I feel like Brock loves when guys bring a bit of heat back to him as well. He seemed to like working with Joe, and I get the same impression here.

 

[97 HBK]

Cool article from Newsweek about Rollins/Styles. AJ was interviewed for it, and said some really nice things about Seth:

The Universal Championship match between Seth Rollins and AJ Styles at Money in the Bank delivered. It was a dream match that gave fans the first WWE match between both men and was full of spectacular moves and storytelling.

The story of AJ and Seth actually began 13 years ago when the two squared off in a high school gymnasium in Iowa, and finished Sunday with Rollins pinning Styles in front of thousands. But after the match, Styles returned to the ring to say something personal to Rollins.

“I told Seth I was right when I said 13 years ago that he would be something special in this business,” Styles told Newsweek.

Friendly words that capped off a feud that was anything but. Despite the weeks of alpha male bravado, the finish to Rollins and Styles’ match was clean and even when The Phenomenal One ran back into the ring to confront The Architect one last time, it was to show respect.

“We both respected each other that was never in question,” Styles said. “It was two guys, two egos and a lot of testosterone that you’re going to get a fight when two big dogs get next to each other. Tempers go awry and next thing you know we’re fighting and it is what it is, but when it’s over and someone comes out the better man you shake hands.”



With his chances at being Universal Champion now in the rearview mirror, what’s next for AJ Styles? The May 20 episode of Monday Night RAW should shed more light as Mick Foley will return to present a new title.

“When a new championship is involved you can’t help but look at it and say, ‘you know that’s not a bad idea,’” Styles said. “Competitors are going to compete and they will come out, I’m sure it’ll be interesting. I look forward to it.”

Foley’s title announcement is still being kept under wraps, but the legend’s hardcore past could see the return of the Hardcore Championship. Harcore wrestling is not something Styles admits he’s usually involved in but he’s “not afraid of any man or object” so he’ll get after it if he has to.

And those hoping to see Rollins and Styles again? Don’t worry. Styles says this is “100 percent” not the end.

“ Just because you lose doesn’t mean it’s over,” Styles said. “I’ve lost before. I’ve lost the WWE championship before. You find your way back into the hunt. You may get derailed by going to the back of the line but you want what you want. And I want to be Universal Champion before my career is over.”

That line will probably have to go through Brock Lesnar who returned to win the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match in surprising fashion. The Beast lost the Universal Championship to Rollins at WrestleMania 35 so it seems like he’ll set his sights on The Architect something that Styles is prepared for.

https://www.newsweek.com/aj-styles-seth-rollins-universal-championship-interview-1431020

Newsweek is pretty big in the US. Surprised they have an article about wrestling.

 

[751161]

And those hoping to see Rollins and Styles again? Don’t worry. Styles says this is “100 percent” not the end.

 

[Chelsea]

 

[97 HBK]

The only wrestler to hold the NXT, WWE, and Universal Titles.

:bjpenn

 

[The Quintessential Mark]

And those hoping to see Rollins and Styles again? Don’t worry. Styles says this is “100 percent” not the end.

I get the feeling the rematch will be better.

 

[Mox Girl]

I love that Seth got to hold 2 titles at once twice. I wish they'd done more with his US title run though, he only held it a few weeks then lost it back to Cena, it was a bit pointless.

 

[97 HBK]

:lmao

 

[Cheetara86]

I definitely think Seth will beat Brock at Super showdown, now it will be very interesting if they give him a clean win over Brock or a screwy finish.

 

[TD Stinger]

I predicted Seth would lose last time and he ended up winning. Feel like I should do the same so he wins again, lol.

But seriously....I don't know. I really have no idea how they're going to play this thing with Seth and Brock this time. Which is both refreshing in it's unpredictability and frightening over what could happen.

Either way, I'd like to see a proper match between the 2 this time. WM they did what they needed to to start the show hot. This time it needs to be a real match, regardless of the result. And by a real match, I mean a real Brock match. Even if it's only 10 minutes or less.

 

[tducey]

If Brock does cash in on Seth I hope Seth goes over. No need for Lesnar to be given another title reign ever again.

 

[97 HBK]

Seth vs. Sami for the title is being advertised on Raw on July 8 in my home state:



WWE is also going to Japan soon and Rollins/Nak for the Universal Title is being advertised all over the place. I think somehow, some way, Seth gets out of their for the title. Maybe someone interferes and costs Brock the match and that person is Brock's next feud. It's hard to see them putting it back on Brock when he just held it for so long. Plus, with AEW coming on TV soon and them getting praised, WWE would get absolutely CRUSHED right now if they put their top title back on a 40+ year old part-timer who is never around again already when he just held it. WWE needs all the good pub they can get these days, and putting it almost immediately back on Brock I think will just push more people away and WWE needs every person they can get in their corner these days.

 

[Jeff Rollins]

If they let brock cash in on Seth so soon then I think I would like him to follow dean/Mox to AEW :smile2:

 

[Mox Girl]

Speaking of Mox, I wonder what Seth thought of his friend's debut? You had to think he was watching or at least had some idea of what was going on, lol. He did retweet Mox's hype video, so who knows.

And tbh, if they took the title from Seth and gave it back to Brock now, that would almost make me want to stop watching. Seth is one of the main reasons why I still watch WWE, so he needs to get treated good <3

 

[Cheetara86]

I remember the interview they did for the shields final chapter, and I could tell Roman and Seth had some kinda feeling with Dean.

 

[Asuka842]

Cool match that I found between Seth and Awesome Kong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GeClJFvuww&t=6s

Apparently her original opponent back at last minute because he refused to put over a woman, so Seth stepped in and volunteered to do it instead.

 

[DammitChrist]

Even though Seth Rollins is the MAN, he's still willing enough to put over others (including the women) :clap