Seth Rollins, a top WWE superstar, is currently sidelined due to a serious shoulder injury sustained during a high-stakes match against Cody Rhodes at the Crown Jewel event in Australia on October 11, 2025. As fans anticipate his comeback, speculation is running high about the most likely Seth Rollins WWE return opponents he could face at WrestleMania 42, given the betrayals and unfinished rivalries that have defined his recent career path.
The Fallout from Injury and Betrayal
Immediately following his injury, WWE acted rapidly to develop a storyline exit for Rollins, using a dramatic betrayal angle within The Vision faction. On the RAW episode after Crown Jewel, Bron Breakker delivered a spearing attack on Rollins, with Bronson Reed escalating the assault by executing his signature move, the Tsunami. Paul Heyman’s involvement sealed the betrayal, leading to Seth’s expulsion from The Vision and his World Heavyweight Championship title being vacated. This chain of events culminated in CM Punk capturing the vacant title after overcoming Jey Uso at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1, 2025.
Reports soon surfaced that Rollins would require surgery, with his long-awaited return likely targeted for WrestleMania 42. Amid these heavy emotional developments and a mounting sense of rivalry, here are the top four superstars who could be formidable opponents for Seth Rollins upon his return.
CM Punk: An Explosive Rivalry Renewed
The ongoing feud between Seth Rollins and CM Punk has been a cornerstone of WWE storylines for the past two years, marked by relentless intensity and personal animosity. Their rivalry reached new heights at SummerSlam, where Rollins executed a cunning maneuver by faking a knee injury only to cash in his Money in the Bank contract against Punk during the first night’s main event. The moment resulted in Punk’s reign as World Heavyweight Champion ending within minutes, with Rollins capturing the title in spectacular fashion.
Punk’s current championship status is likely to amplify Rollins’ determination to reclaim the gold. Rollins’ past actions demonstrate his willingness to go to great lengths for a victory, and fans are left wondering if he will stage another dramatic victory at WrestleMania 42 to once again dethrone Punk and settle their deeply rooted rivalry. With the spotlight of the biggest stage in WWE looming, a rematch brimming with history and unfinished business would be a headline encounter.
Bron Breakker: Betrayal Sparks a New Grudge
Another possible opponent for Seth Rollins’ WWE return is Bron Breakker. Once brought into The Vision by Rollins himself, Breakker’s subsequent betrayal—engineered alongside Heyman and Bronson Reed—sparked a personal vendetta. Since his defection, Breakker’s path has intertwined with championship gold, with rumors swirling about his chances to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Title ahead of WrestleMania 42. Should Breakker win the title from Punk—and Rollins return just as the dust settles—a confrontation between the two former allies is almost inevitable.
The story is rife with emotional undertones, as Rollins’ sense of hurt and anger could fuel an explosive grudge match. Interference from Rollins may even cost Breakker a championship, setting off a prolonged feud that captivates the WWE audience well beyond WrestleMania.
Austin Theory: Conflict Within The Vision
Austin Theory has become another thorn in Rollins’ side. Once considered a protege of Rollins, Theory’s decision to join The Vision, the very faction that betrayed Rollins, presents a new internal conflict. Theory’s actions at Survivor Series: WarGames initially led to speculation that he was acting on Rollins’ orders when he attacked CM Punk. However, Theory’s subsequent full allegiance to The Vision put any rumors of reconciliation to rest, intensifying the rift between the former mentor and his one-time mentee.
With Theory now imitating Rollins’ signature moves while actively siding against him, the stage is set for a tense, emotionally charged confrontation should Rollins choose to focus his return on this emerging intra-faction rivalry.
Roman Reigns: Revisiting a Storied Rivalry
The ongoing saga between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns stretches back over a decade, steeped in betrayal, shifting alliances, and hard-fought battles. Their relationship fractured further last year when Rollins secretly enlisted Paul Heyman, leading to Heyman turning his back on both CM Punk and Reigns. This maneuver deepened Reigns’ resentment and set the scene for numerous high-profile encounters, with both men unwilling to back down in their quest for dominance.
If Rollins addresses his issues with The Vision before WrestleMania 42, the possibility of another monumental showdown against Roman Reigns becomes highly likely. Reigns, as a former WWE Champion and the acknowledged “Big Dog” in WWE’s landscape, remains Rollins’ most enduring adversary. The question remains as to which of his enemies—be it breakaway faction members, old rivals, or emergent threats—Rollins will target when the moment for his dramatic return arrives.
Seth Rollins’ WWE return is poised to reshape the dynamics at WrestleMania 42 and beyond. Each potential opponent signifies lasting enmity, fractured trust, and unresolved conflicts, ensuring his comeback will be both emotionally charged and pivotal for the ongoing narratives in WWE.
