SummerSlam 2023 was a night full of surprises, but one match stole the show this time. The World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor has turned out to be one of the most exciting matches of the WWE.
The two former Universal Champions clashed in a rematch of their epic encounter at SummerSlam 2016, where Balor became the first ever holder of the title. However, this time, Rollins was the champion and Balor was the challenger. As expected, both men were determined to prove their supremacy and cement their legacy.
Just when it seemed that Balor had the upper hand, a shocking interference by Damian Priest changed the course of the match. We’ll talk more about Priest’s role in this article.
In the end, Seth Rollins successfully defeated Finn Balor and retained the title of the World Heavyweight Championship in SummerSlam 2023.
1. A Recap of the Match
The first few minutes of the match were evenly matched, as both Rollins and Balor traded strikes, holds, and counters. They also displayed their agility and speed, dodging each other’s attacks and hitting quick moves.
The match then moved to the outside, where Rollins gained the advantage by throwing Balor into the steel steps and the barricade. Rollins then brought Balor back into the ring and continued his assault, targeting Balor’s ribs and back with kicks, knees, and suplexes.
Balor fought back with a series of chops, forearms, and dropkicks. He then hit Rollins with a Sling Blade and went for a Coup de Grace, but Rollins rolled out of the way. Rollins then hit Balor with a Pedigree, but Balor kicked out at two.
Rollins then tried to hit Balor with a Curb Stomp, but Balor avoided it and hit Rollins with a 1916. He then went for a third Coup de Grace, but Rollins caught him in mid-air and hit him with a Buckle Bomb. Rollins then followed up with a Frog Splash, but Balor kicked out at two again.
At this moment, Damian Priest came out from the crowd and attacked Balor with another steel chair. Priest then hit Balor with a Reckoning and dragged Rollins over him for the cover. After the stipulated time passed, Rollins was declared the winner and he retained the World Heavyweight Championship.
After the match, Priest celebrated with Rollins and raised his hand. Even Rollins looked confused with his sudden intervention, but he also looked relieved.
2. Seth Rollins Defeats Finn Balor
Seth Rollins emerged victorious over Finn Balor in the chaotic match that involved the interference of Damian Priest. Priest, who holds the Money in the Bank briefcase, unintentionally helped Rollins when he used the briefcase as a weapon against Balor.
Rollins delivered the curb stomp on the briefcase to secure the win, adding more insult to injury for Balor, who had hoped to redeem himself at Judgment Day.
Balor had the opportunity to become the WWE world heavyweight champion at Judgment Day, which would have made him and his allies the holders of all the titles in the stable.
A Balor victory would have also created a potential storyline of tension, distrust, and eventual betrayal among the group members. This scenario has been successful on SmackDown with the Bloodline faction, and WWE could have replicated it on Monday nights with the Judgment Day.
3. Why did Seth Rollins win?
There are various reasons behind Seth Rollins’ being the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Firstly, Seth Rollins has held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for more than 70 days.
He won the title from AJ Styles at Night of Champions, becoming the first champion of the newly created belt. He is expected to have a long reign as a recognition of his performance and dedication in the past years.
The title’s credibility would also benefit from a long reign, as it has been the case for Roman Reigns and Gunther with the Undisputed and Intercontinental titles, respectively. Therefore, it was reasonable for The Architect to retain the title at Ford Field, in order to preserve his and the title’s status.
Secondly, Finn Balor and Damian Priest have been showing signs of discord within The Judgment Day since they competed for the Money in the Bank briefcase. Their different goals for the championships have put their alliance at risk several times, but they have always managed to reconcile.
Their recent disagreement at SummerSlam could increase the friction between them, prolonging the gradual build-up to a possible break-up. The Punisher could then cash in at a later date when the situation is critical, which would be the ideal moment to initiate a split and feud. This may explain why Rollins kept the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam 2023.
Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens have been in conflict with The Judgment Day on the way to WWE SummerSlam 2023. The two groups of antagonists and protagonists have been the main attraction of RAW for weeks, with the antagonist team injuring The Prizefighter.
Rollins keeping the World Heavyweight Title could be a strategy to prolong the feud until Survivor Series. Fans will have to be patient and see if this happens in the next months, considering WWE’s preference for long-term storylines in The Triple H era.
4. Damian Priest’s Role in the Match
The role of Damian Priest in the match between Rollins vs Balor in SummerSlam 2023 was one of the most shocking and controversial moments in WWE history.
Priest, interfered in the World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor, costing Balor the title and helping Rollins retain it.
Priest’s motive for his actions is still unclear, but there are some possible explanations. Priest was jealous of Balor’s popularity and success and wanted to ruin his chances of becoming the World Heavyweight Champion.
He was also angry at Balor for rejecting his offer to form an alliance with him and wanted to get revenge on him. Priest was working for Rollins, who had promised him a future title opportunity or some other reward for his help.
Whatever the reason, Priest’s interference had a huge impact on the outcome of the match and the future of the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins escaped with the title, but also earned the wrath of Balor and the fans.
Balor was robbed of his dream, but also gained a new enemy and a new motivation. And Priest became one of the most hated and feared men in WWE, but also one of the most powerful and influential.
Priest’s role in Rollins vs Balor in SummerSlam 2023 was a game-changer that will have lasting consequences for all involved. It was a moment that will be remembered as one of the most shocking twists in WWE history.
5. Is the feud between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor over?
No, the feud between Rollins and Balor is not over after SummerSlam 2023. In fact, it has become more intense and personal than ever.
Balor was furious at Priest for costing him the World Heavyweight Championship and attacked him backstage. He then challenged Priest to a match for the Money in the Bank briefcase at the next pay-per-view, Clash of Champions.
Rollins was also unhappy with Priest’s interference and claimed that he did not need his help to beat Balor. He said that he was the best wrestler in the world and that he would prove it by defending his title against anyone who dared to step up.
Priest defended his actions and said that he was just doing what was best for himself and for Judgment Day. He said that he wanted to keep the World Heavyweight Championship within the stable and that he would cash in his briefcase on Rollins when the time was right.
6. About WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., doing business as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and various other business ventures.
WWE shows are sports entertainment, featuring story line-driven, scripted, and partially choreographed matches; though including moves that can put performers at risk of injury, even death, if not performed correctly. It was founded in 1953 as the Capitol Wrestling Corporation and is the largest wrestling promotion in the world. It is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.
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