Seth Rollins, the former WWE world champion currently sidelined due to injury, recently sparked a discussion by comparing John Cena to the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Speaking during a guest appearance on The Rich Eisen Show after his match at Saturday Night’s Main Event XL against LA Knight, Rollins noted Cena’s significant influence beyond wrestling.
During that match, Rollins suffered a serious injury following a difficult moonsault landing that caused his right leg to give way, leading to reports that he could be out for several months. Despite his injury hiatus, Rollins remains active behind the scenes.
When prompted to identify a WWE star who parallels Muhammad Ali’s impact in sports, Rollins selected John Cena, emphasizing Cena’s philanthropic work and global influence through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“The closest I would say is maybe John Cena … I think the impact that John has had on individuals around the world via his Make-A-Wish campaign and the diligence that he put into making a difference in people’s lives in that way. He prioritized that over anything.”
—Seth Rollins, WWE Superstar
MJF Acknowledges Seth Rollins as a Top WWE Talent
On a separate note, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), an AEW star currently promoting the film Happy Gilmore 2 alongside Adam Sandler, Becky Lynch, and Nikki Bella, praised Rollins’ abilities in a recent interview on Busted Open Radio. MJF described Rollins as “a freak of nature” and one of the greatest faces in WWE history, drawing a clear comparison between himself and Rollins as leading figures in their respective promotions.
MJF expressed sympathy regarding Rollins’ injury, calling it unfortunate. He underscored the respect he holds for Rollins’ talent and status within WWE.
“I get along with Seth… Seth Rollins is a freak of nature. He’s going to go down as one of the greatest faces in the history of that company. The same way I’m going to go down as one of the biggest faces in the history of my company. When you think of these promotions, when you think of WWE, you think Seth. When you think of AEW, you think me. I find him to be extraordinarily talented. I feel horrible about his knee. It sucks.”
—MJF, AEW Wrestler
Injury Speculation and Career Context
Rumors have circulated suggesting that Rollins’ injury might be a storyline rather than a legitimate setback, casting some doubt on his actual physical condition. Nevertheless, Rollins has shown determination by continuing to engage with fans and media, maintaining his presence within the wrestling community despite being out of in-ring action.
His injury came during a high-profile match at Saturday Night’s Main Event XL, reminding fans of the physical risks involved in performing complex maneuvers like the moonsault.
Upcoming WWE Storylines and SummerSlam Build-Up
Meanwhile, WWE has announced a non-WWE title match to be defended on SmackDown ahead of the SummerSlam event, signaling important developments leading into the summer’s major wrestling pay-per-view. Although this title is not typically showcased on SmackDown, the decision indicates a shift in booking strategies to heighten anticipation for the upcoming show.
Additionally, WWE continues to honor its legends. Shane McMahon recently paid tribute to Hulk Hogan, reflecting the industry’s respect for the iconic figure amid ongoing remembrance.
Reports Dispute AEW Switch Rumors Involving WWE Hall of Famers
Amid widespread speculation, new reports have dismissed rumors linking any WWE Hall of Famer with a move to AEW. The news clarifies that no imminent switches involving legends are expected, maintaining the status quo between the two major wrestling promotions.
Other Wrestling Industry Updates
Drew McIntyre recently revealed he nearly missed a major WWE match against Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL due to injury concerns. This adds further context to the physical toll wrestlers endure at the highest level.
Meanwhile, AEW star MJF mentioned to Adam Sandler on set that discussing WWE legends made for an enjoyable experience, highlighting the crossover cultural impact wrestling continues to have.
CM Punk announced that his rivalry with a WWE legend has officially concluded and is now focusing on his upcoming championship match against Gunther at SummerSlam 2025, continuing to build toward one of wrestling’s most anticipated clashes.
Significance of WWE’s Ongoing Legacy and Current Talent Impact
Seth Rollins’ comparison of John Cena to Muhammad Ali reflects a deeper appreciation of how professional wrestling figures can transcend sports entertainment to influence society positively, particularly through charitable work. Cena’s dedication to causes like Make-A-Wish has made him an iconic figure beyond the ring, a benchmark Rollins believes aligns with Ali’s legendary status in boxing.
Moreover, MJF’s public respect for Rollins underlines the mutual recognition among top wrestling talents, regardless of their promotion affiliations, emphasizing the athleticism and popularity that define modern wrestling stars.
As Rollins recovers from injury, the wrestling world eagerly awaits his return, while WWE continues to develop storylines and celebrate its history, setting the stage for a compelling SummerSlam and beyond.
