Seth Rollins has offered an update on his recovery as WWE prepares for the Royal Rumble in Riyadh.
The former World Heavyweight Champion has been sidelined since October 13 after suffering a torn rotator cuff during an angle in which he was expelled from The Vision by Bron Breakker. The injury forced Seth Rollins to vacate the World Heavyweight Championship, a title now held by CM Punk following a tournament win over Jey Uso.
Rollins addressed his status during an appearance on ESPN Get Up with Mike Greenberg, where he discussed his rehabilitation and the possibility of returning in time for Saturday’s Royal Rumble. While acknowledging the progress he has made, Rollins cautioned against expecting an immediate comeback.
“Shoulder’s doing good, man, it’s doing good,” Rollins said. “I don’t know if it’s good enough to get me in the ring this Saturday in Riyadh for the Royal Rumble, but we’re on track for a return sometime sooner rather than later.”
Injuries have been a recurring obstacle throughout Rollins’ career. He tore multiple ligaments in his right knee in 2015, re-aggravated that injury in 2017, and later damaged his opposite knee in 2024. He also worked through significant back pain during his first reign as World Heavyweight Champion in late 2023. Unlike that issue, however, the current shoulder injury is not something he can simply compete through.
Medical recovery timelines for a torn rotator cuff typically range from four to six months. With January marking roughly three months since the injury, a return at the Royal Rumble would be considered aggressive. Rollins has instead set his sights on WrestleMania 42, which takes place on April 18 and April 19, expressing optimism that he will be ready in time for WWE’s biggest event of the year.
Who Does Seth Rollins Think Will Win The WWE Royal Rumble?
During the interview, Seth Rollins was also asked for his predictions for the Royal Rumble matches and named two dark horse candidates.
“For me, on the men’s side, Rey Mysterio, he’s a legend,” Rollins said. “He’s won a Royal Rumble before, shockingly enough, as a guy as small as he is. On the women’s side, there’s somebody I feel like everybody’s overlooking and that is my wife, the one and only, the man, Big Time Becks, Becky Lynch.”
While Rollins stopped short of confirming any return date, his comments suggest that his comeback is drawing closer, even if it does not come as soon as the Royal Rumble.
