Seth Rollins Sustains Injury in Clash of Champions Main Event

Kevin Owens successfully defended the Raw Universal Championship in the main event of “Clash of Champions” last night, thwarting Seth Rollins’ title aspirations with the help of some referee shenanigans. Now it seems that Rollins may have bigger issues than a failed championship bid.

Owens delivered a gutbuster to Rollins off the turnbuckle, and it appeared to hit at an awkward angle. Rollins favored his ribs later in the match, and it seems that he was doing more than selling his opponent’s offense.

According to reports from Wrestling Observer Radio, Rollins was said to be “definitely” hurt after returning backstage. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion reported trouble breathing, indicating rib damage. No word yet on whether this injury will affect Rollins’ in-ring appearances.

If the injury is substantial, it’s soon going to seem that the Universal Title is as much a curse as a championship. Finn Balor captured the prize when it was unveiled at Summerslam but sustained a serious shoulder injury in the same match, forcing him to immediately relinquish the title. Barely a month later, this was the title’s first defense.

Time off for Rollins would be a major blow for the Raw roster. With Balor’s injury and the crowd’s continuing mixed reaction to Roman Reigns, the show lacks a main event-caliber face. Rollins’ gradual face turn was filling that role.

If Rollins’ injury requires time off, expect additional details prior to tonight’s episode of Raw.