Seth Rollins responsible for SmackDown star eye injury became a defining story during his notorious run as ‘The Monday Night Messiah’ in 2020, an era marked by unsettling actions and unforgettable moments in WWE. One graphic incident cost Aleister Black dearly, setting the stage for years of tension and potential retribution between these two superstars.
Rollins’ Dominance and Aleister Black’s Gruesome Injury
In 2020, at a time when WWE was operating in the shadow of the pandemic, Seth Rollins led a forceful group comprising Buddy Matthews, the Authors of Pain (AOP), and himself, using calculated brutality to control Monday Night RAW. During this period, Rollins and his faction confronted Aleister Black in a memorable segment, unleashing overwhelming violence. Under Rollins’ orders, Buddy Matthews drove Black’s eye into the unforgiving steel steps, causing a serious injury that resonated painfully through the WWE universe.
This moment echoed Rollins’ infamous ‘Eye for an Eye’ showdown against WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio at WWE Extreme Rules: Horror Show, where ocular trauma became a shocking storyline centerpiece. Aleister Black’s injury, orchestrated by The Visionary’s commands, not only altered his trajectory on RAW but also added to Rollins’ reputation for crossing boundaries in pursuit of dominance.
Years later, after an underwhelming tenure in AEW, Aleister Black made his return to WWE in 2025. His reappearance brought unresolved animosity back into focus. On the edition of SmackDown leading up to Money in the Bank, Rollins attempted to target LA Knight during a matchup against Black. When Rollins set out to deliver his signature Stomp, Black intervened, forcing Rollins to hesitate, offering an unspoken reminder of their violent history. This encounter teased the possibility of Aleister Black seeking long-awaited vengeance against Rollins, keeping fans anticipating future conflict.
Rollins’ Key Victories and Emerging Power in WWE
Seth Rollins fortified his position in WWE by achieving a significant win at the 2025 Money in the Bank Premium Live Event (PLE). After forming a new and formidable faction with Paul Heyman following WrestleMania 41, Rollins recruited Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, building an intimidating alliance poised to disrupt the WWE landscape further.
At the Money in the Bank event, Rollins outlasted five competitors to claim the eponymous ladder match victory for the second time in his career. This accomplishment granted him a contract that offers the opportunity to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship, a golden ticket that Rollins contemplated cashing in as soon as the following Monday Night RAW.
With his recent string of successes and his alliance with influential figures like Paul Heyman, Rollins now stands at the helm of a movement potentially capable of shifting WWE’s power dynamics. His previous transgressions, including the attack on Aleister Black, now intersect with his ambitious quest for complete control, making him both a target and a threat within the company.
Seth Rollins’ actions during his time as leader of The Monday Night Messiah continue to define his complex legacy within WWE. As unresolved tensions with Aleister Black surface and the promise of a championship cash-in looms, the path forward is fraught with conflict, anticipation, and the potential for seismic change across the wrestling world.
