Seth Rollins’ WWE future in focus as WrestleMania 42 draws closer
Seth Rollins has finally addressed the question many WWE fans have been asking—will he be ready in time for WrestleMania 42? While the answer isn’t definitive, Rollins offered an honest and revealing update on his status, his recovery, and even the origins of the name that helped define his WWE career.
Speaking on Jay Mohr’s Mohr Stories podcast, Rollins—whose real name is Colby Daniel Lopez—reflected on several chapters of his wrestling journey. One of the lighter moments came when he revisited how he became “Seth Rollins” after signing with WWE. Before arriving in NXT, he was widely known on the independent circuit as Tyler Black. That name, however, didn’t survive the transition.
“When I got signed, they were very much like, ‘Nope, you cannot be Tyler Black,’” Rollins recalled. He explained that the name Seth Rollins ultimately came from Dusty Rhodes, who played a key role in shaping his WWE identity. “Dusty came up with it for me,” Rollins said, noting how quickly he embraced the change once it became clear that “Seth Rollins” was the future.
Seth Rollins addresses his WWE return and uncertain WrestleMania 42 status while recovering from injury
The conversation soon turned more serious when Rollins was asked about WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 and 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Currently sidelined with a significant shoulder injury, Rollins admitted that his WrestleMania status remains uncertain.
“I don’t know the answer to that; it’s really not up to me,” he said. “They have to clear me.”
Rollins suffered the injury at Crown Jewel 2025 while attempting a dramatic coast-to-coast headbutt on Cody Rhodes. The move went wrong, resulting in a serious shoulder issue that required surgery. Shortly afterward, WWE wrote him off television following an on-screen betrayal by The Vision on Monday Night RAW, effectively ruling him out of action.
Despite the setback, there is reason for optimism. Rollins confirmed that the surgery was successful and that his recovery is progressing well. He revealed that doctors have given him a tentative timeline, suggesting he could be back within “three or four months” if everything goes according to plan. While that window offers hope, Rollins made it clear he’s not rushing the process.
“I will be working hard to try,” he said, emphasizing that his focus is on healing properly rather than forcing an early return. At this stage of his career, longevity matters more than pushing through pain.
Rollins also acknowledged the emotional challenge of watching WWE’s biggest events from the sidelines. WrestleMania is the pinnacle of the industry, and missing it would be difficult for any performer—especially one who has been a fixture on the grand stage for over a decade. Still, he remains realistic. Clearance will ultimately come down to medical approval, not desire.
Read Also : Seth Rollins drops 1 explosive reveal on how much time is left on his WWE contract
For now, Seth Rollins is in recovery mode, patiently working his way back while keeping expectations grounded. Whether he makes it to WrestleMania 42 remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Rollins isn’t done yet. With his trademark determination and a positive outlook on his recovery, “The Visionary” is doing everything he can to ensure that when he does return, he returns at full strength—on his terms, and at the biggest stage possible.
Beyond the physical recovery, Rollins also spoke about the mental challenge of being away from the ring, admitting that patience has been the hardest part of the process. Accustomed to performing year-round and thriving on the energy of live crowds, the forced downtime has given him space to reflect on his career and what lies ahead. While the uncertainty surrounding WrestleMania 42 remains, Rollins stressed that his priority is returning at full strength rather than risking long-term damage, believing that a healthy comeback will ultimately define the next chapter of his WWE journey.
