In a much-anticipated interview on “The Rich Eisen Show” on August 4, 2025, Seth Rollins broke his silence for the first time since his shocking Money in the Bank cash-in at WWE SummerSlam, famously dubbed “The Ruse of the Century.” Rollins detailed the planning behind his flawless fake-injury angle and revealed who in WWE was privy to the secret and who was kept in the dark.

Rollins’ SummerSlam moment stunned fans worldwide as he appeared to enter the arena on crutches, visibly injured. After CM Punk had just captured the World Heavyweight Championship in a grueling main event against Gunther, Rollins, flanked by Paul Heyman, took a moment to seemingly contemplate his condition before dramatically dropping his crutches, revealing the injury was a complete ruse. He swiftly cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase, attacking Punk with the briefcase and pinning him to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship[2][4].

Speaking with Rich Eisen, Rollins candidly described the meticulous work that went into selling the injury convincingly. According to the WWE World Champion, only a select few backstage were fully aware of the plan leading into SummerSlam. “Paul Heyman obviously knew — he’s my right hand in this journey. A handful of key creative members and a few close locker room friends were in on it early. But a lot of guys, even some of my closest colleagues, had no idea until they saw it unfold live,” Rollins explained[1].

The “Ruse of the Century” is already being recognized as one of WWE’s best executed swerves in recent history, combining suspense, athleticism, and storytelling in a way that caught nearly everyone by surprise. Fightful and Wrestling Headlines have highlighted the angle’s perfect execution – the believable crutch hobble, Rollins’ restrained demeanor, and the timing of the reveal all played critical roles in landing the shock impact[1].

Industry insiders suggest that Rollins’ storytelling prowess was crucial for the success of this angle. A WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines, “Seth’s commitment to the role was total. He sold that injury from the moment he stepped out, and the way he pulled off the cash-in was textbook suspense-building. It was a masterclass in wrestling psychology, and the fact that so few knew made the moment even more special.”[1]

This angle echoes past classic WWE swerves like John Cena’s historic heel turn earlier in 2025, which also relied on disrupting audience expectations at a critical moment in Cena’s farewell tour. However, some critics note that while “The Ruse of the Century” delivered blockbuster immediate impact, it might not have the same long-term narrative consequences as The Shield’s 2014 betrayal did, though it nonetheless cements Rollins as a centerpiece of WWE’s current landscape[1].

Beyond the summer blockbuster, SummerSlam 2025 also featured other prominent matches. Roman Reigns and Jey Uso overcame the formidable Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, reinforcing The Bloodline’s familial dominance. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes reclaimed a WWE Title from John Cena in a highly emotional clash, punctuated by Brock Lesnar’s earth-shattering return assaulting Cena post-match[3][4].

Rollins reflected on the significance of the night, noting the incredible energy backstage despite the secrecy. “SummerSlam is always electric, but this year it was next level. For me, pulling off that swerve with so many unsuspecting people around you is a thrill that’s hard to put into words.”[1]

WWE’s official coverage praised the angle as a highlight of SummerSlam, with commentators calling it “the ruse of the century” during the event broadcast – a phrase now immortalized by fans and media alike. The moment not only secured Rollins’ third world title reign but also reasserted his role as one of WWE’s most cunning and charismatic performers[2].

As WWE continues to build toward forthcoming major storylines, the fallout from Rollins’ SummerSlam coup promises to drive numerous feuds and rivalries. CM Punk, stunned and betrayed, will undoubtedly seek redemption, while Rollins’ alliance with Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed strengthens his presence as a dominant heel champion[2].

For now, Seth Rollins remains tight-lipped about many upcoming plans but thanked WWE fans for their overwhelming response. “This was a moment for the fans, for the wrestlers, and for WWE. There’s more to come — but for now, just enjoy the ride,” he concluded[1].

The “Ruse of the Century” will be remembered not only as a summer spectacle but as a testament to Rollins’ craft and WWE’s ability to surprise and engage in 2025.

Sources: WWE.com, Fightful, Wrestling Headlines, “The Rich Eisen Show” interview, CBS Sports WWE coverage.