Seth Rollins unprofessional controversy continues to grow, with former WWE head writer Vince Russo criticizing Rollins’ conduct and wrestling approach in a recent public exchange. The tension surfaced after Rollins, despite being absent from WWE TV, called Russo a “jacka**” and accused him of staying connected to wrestling for monetary gain.
Russo Responds to Rollins’ Harsh Comments
Rollins’ outburst toward Vince Russo did not go unnoticed. Russo, who was once instrumental in shaping WWE storylines as head writer, used his platform to address Rollins’ remarks and question his professionalism. Explaining his perspective, Russo argued that he never viewed Rollins as a top performer, especially due to his in-ring style where, according to Russo, Rollins fails to convincingly react to opponents’ maneuvers.
“These are not pros. These are not how professional people conduct themselves. You will never see a professional athlete go down this road. I questioned whether or not Seth Rollins is great worker, because he never sells. To me, selling is part of being a great worker. Therefore, he’s not a great worker in my opinion. Number two, the whole thing when they turned him heel, and he’s still coming out conducting the orchestra and all that.”
This latest development escalated their feud, with Russo not only rejecting the idea that Rollins is a good worker but also challenging how he portrays his character in WWE programming.
Character Work Under Fire
Russo further intensified his critique, taking issue with how Rollins plays his on-screen persona. He claimed that when Rollins was cast as a “heel”—a term for a villain in pro wrestling—he still displayed traits of a hero or “babyface,” which Russo claims undermines the intended storylines. He argued that such confusion hurts the effectiveness of wrestling narratives and diminishes other wrestlers.
“People need to understand something. A heel’s job is to get babyfaces over. So if you are turned heel but you’re still acting like a babyface, now if I program you with a babyface, now you’re not getting that babyface over. It’s simple math, bro. These are the basic fundamentals of wrestling. If freaking Seth Rollins cannot handle that, and he hates me and I’m an idiot and I’m a hanger-oner, it just backs up everything I’ve been saying for years. These are not pros. This is a big reason why I don’t watch this show.”
Russo’s words highlight deep frustration with the current direction of WWE’s on-screen product and suggest that modern performers like Rollins may not adhere to what Russo considers the fundamentals of wrestling.
Feuds and Storylines Move Beyond the Ring
The verbal back-and-forth between Rollins and Russo underscores a larger trend in professional wrestling, where disputes are often played out both within and beyond the squared circle. WWE frequently taps into such real-life hostilities to craft compelling television storylines, using social media and interviews as tools to add realism or ignite fan interest.
While this latest controversy has sparked debate, it reflects the ongoing challenges of maintaining clear roles and narratives in a rapidly evolving sports entertainment landscape. As veterans like Russo speak out, WWE’s creative choices—involving stars like Seth Rollins—remain open to heated scrutiny and passionate reactions from industry insiders.
What the Debate Means for WWE’s Future
This incident is more than just a personal exchange; it shines a spotlight on how evolving character dynamics intersect with tradition in professional wrestling. The comments from Vince Russo, and the subsequent focus on Seth Rollins unprofessional controversy, could prompt WWE to reconsider how it develops its performers and the stories told to millions of fans.
With figures like Chris Jericho and Finn Balor facing their own pivotal moments in WWE, the ongoing debates about character portrayal, professionalism, and storytelling may shape the industry’s direction for years to come.
