Seth Rollins wants to have the greatest legacy of all time, and as he continues to perform in what he calls the best year of his career, he’s confident that he’s operating at a high level.
Rollins, a Grand Slam Champion in WWE, has competed in a number of renowned matches this year. He has battled Roman Reigns and feuded with Cody Rhodes, among others. As part of the latter feud, he and Rhodes delivered an unforgettable bout at WWE Hell in a Cell, where “The American Nightmare” wrestled with a torn pectoral muscle. As “The Visionary” shines bright, he’s chasing a bigger goal — all-time greatness.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Rollins described how he is driven by his quest to be the best. He noted that he’ll always have a chip on his shoulder, but it pushes him to keep reaching higher.
“What is this mortal life if not the pursuit of legacy?” Rollins said. “That’s a quote I recently read, and it really defines my mindset about this industry. I will always have a chip on my shoulder, no matter what. No matter how many titles I’ve won, no matter who I’m working with or how many times I’ve headlined WrestleMania, I’ll always have that chip on my shoulder.
“That is my addiction—that struggle. Some people hate the suffering, but I’m a sucker for it. It makes me always want to be a part of this wild business. I want to be the best. I want to have the greatest legacy of all time. I want to be in the same conversation as Flair, Hogan, Austin, Rock, Michaels and Hart, if not lead the conversation. That might be lofty, but I don’t know any other way.”
The former WWE Universal Champion then shared his belief that no one is operating at the same level as him and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, though he highlighted several of WWE’s top stars like Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns. He also emphasized that plenty of people think they’re the best, and this dynamic creates competition.
“When it comes to reactions from the crowd and interaction with our audience, I don’t think there is anybody operating on the level Roman and I are now. But here’s the best part. As good as I believe I am, and as good as Roman thinks that he is, the industry is filled with people who think they’re the best. I think that’s awesome. That’s pushing everyone forward.
“Drew thinks he’s the best. Kenny Omega thinks he’s the best. Mox [Jon Moxley] thinks he’s the best. Will Ospreay thinks he’s the best. I love that confidence and that vibe. That pushes all of us to be our best.”
Rollins also stated that he thinks he’s having the best year of his career, and he has a lot left in the tank.
“I’m just entering my prime,” Rollins said. “I’m not as young as I used to be, and my style is a lot different than what it was 10 years ago when I was breaking into WWE, and especially different from when I was on the indies, but my mind is so much sharper than it’s ever been, and I haven’t lost a step. I’m really hitting my stride, and I’ve got a lot more in the tank for these next five to 10 years.
“The last 10 months have been a fun adventure for me, especially coming out of COVID and the empty arenas and the ThunderDome. Getting back in front of a crowd again has been amazing, and I’ve been able to share the ring with such talented dance partners who are willing to take risks and tell fun stories. I’ve got a company that’s behind me and allows me to do that. I think I’m having the best year of my career, and I also think it’s just the beginning.”
Rollins will face Matt Riddle in a Fight Pit Match at WWE Extreme Rules.
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