Seth Rollins on Ruse of the Century and his future plans

Seth Rollins says he kept even some veteran colleagues in the dark when he feigned a knee injury in July to set up a surprise Money in the Bank cash in that crowned him World Heavyweight Champion at SummerSlam. Rollins recounted the episode and discussed his near-term future in interviews this month, saying only a small circle knew the plan and that he felt little guilt about the deception, though he said he did have to dodge questions from one friend in particular, John Cena.

Rollins told Sports Illustrated on the SI Media podcast that his apparent injury, which halted a July Saturday Night Main Event match against LA Knight and left him walking with crutches for weeks, was part of what WWE called the Ruse of the Century. The ploy culminated at SummerSlam Night One when Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on CM Punk, moments after Punk had defeated GUNTHER, to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins said the concept was presented to him weeks in advance, that the idea was "brilliant" and that he felt he was the right performer to execute it.

Asked how many people knew the truth, Rollins said, "You can probably count on two hands," suggesting a limited group...