WWE’s Seth Rollins Shares Timeline for In-Ring Return

By Andrew Ravens‎

Contributing Sports Writer

ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

Seth Rollins, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, suffered a serious shoulder injury during his match at WWE 'Crown Jewel'. The injury reportedly occurred after the star landed hard on his shoulder while executing a coast-to-coast diving headbutt against Cody Rhodes.

Despite the awkward landing, Rollins was able to finish the contest and defeated Rhodes to win the 2025 'Crown Jewel' championship. However, the injury's severity forced Rollins to relinquish the World Heavyweight Championship shortly thereafter. CM Punk subsequently won the championship at 'Saturday Night's Main Event' on November 1, 2025.

Rollins provided a crucial update on his medical status and a potential timeline for his return to the ring during an appearance on Bert Kreischer's "Something’s Burning" show. The former champion is currently wearing a sling, which he expects to remove soon. Following the removal of the sling, Rollins indicated he would allow himself a break before beginning his training.

"Once I get off, which is in like another month, then it might be full vacation mode for a little while, before I lock in and have to start training to get ready to come back," Rollins stated.

Rollins was asked about the ramp-up for his return to the ring. He noted that it would likely be gradual and estimated a minimum of eight to 12 weeks of structured training. Rollins humorously acknowledged his need to change his current diet before commencing the intensive physical preparations for his comeback.

...

The vacated championship he was forced to relinquish was determined via a Battle Royal on an episode of 'Raw' to name an opponent for the already-named CM Punk, who ultimately secured the championship on November 1, 2025.

"It’ll probably be gradual," Rollins replied. "I don’t even really know. My guess is eight to 12 weeks of, 'Okay, now I have to stop eating like an a**hole.' Probably 12 weeks. Plus, we’ll be moving right into WrestleMania season. I’m hoping around February, after all the holiday stuff, I can start to be like, 'Lock in. No more BS.' "

The timing of his projected 12-week training period places his expected ring return right at the beginning of 'WrestleMania' season. This led Rollins to speculate on a possible return date in early 2026. However, his wife, Becky Lynch, a multi-time champion in WWE, was apparently present during the conversation and seemingly questioned the feasibility of his February target.

More news: Nikki Bella Reunites With Ex-Boyfriend At WWE Raw

The former champion then offered a revised, more cautious estimate for his return, acknowledging the longer six-month timeline given by medical professionals.

Rollins said: "Probably, after the Super Bowl and stuff. Give myself a month before I come back. I don’t even know. They say six months, so this could be April".

While recovering from his injury, Rollins has maintained a busy schedule outside of the ring. He has been making NFL media appearances and is slated to be part of the NFL Christmas on Netflix coverage. Despite his optimistic return goal of February, reports following his injury indicated that the shoulder ailment might sideline him for six to twelve months, potentially causing him to miss 'WrestleMania 42' in April 2026 entirely.

The former World Heavyweight Champion’s status for the biggest show of the year will remain uncertain until he completes his full physical therapy phase, with recent creative news suggesting the injury has already forced WWE to change their original 'WrestleMania 42' main event plans.

More WWE News: