Seth Rollins Addresses Absence, Latest Rumors on WWE vs. AEW and Worlds Collide Decision

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

Seth Rollins Planning to Return 'When the Time's Right'

Seth Rollins' last televised match was his loss to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam, though he took part in a tour of South America earlier this month.

In an interview with ESPN Chicago (via Jeffrey Harris of 411 Mania), the former world champion indicated he's happy to remain out of the spotlight for the time being.

"I'm just taking my time right now, kind of focusing on other things, and at the end of the day, you know, I'll come back when the time's right," he said. "I was able to go down to South America a couple of weeks ago and do some non-televised events for the South American and Mexican fans down there, and really fantastic crowds. I mean, just unbelievable."

Rollins went on to quip his next television appearance will be on NFL Network, rather than Monday Night Raw. He'll be on Good Morning Football with the Chicago Bears concluding Week 3's slate of action against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.

His comments provided some insight behind his absence as he's not currently nursing an injury. He appears to be simply taking a break from the ring.

Especially for somebody as tenured as Rollins, stepping away can be beneficial physically and help their on-screen character regain some freshness.

WWE Had Competitive Motive Behind Worlds Collide Broadcast Decision

Despite having a packed card headlined by Chicago native CM Punk, WWE declined to broadcast Worlds Collide live. Instead, a replay will air Wednesday.

Fightful Select reported the company attempted to undercut AEW's All Out show, which happened simultaneously in a different Chicago suburb.

"WWE sources admitted AEW sold better than they expected, though they were still happy with Worlds Collide sales," the report said.

AEW ultimately sold out Now Arena, and that was a point of pride for those within the promotion.

"I cannot tell you the pride that I feel because people did have a choice," AEW world champion Will Ospreay said in the post-show media scrum, per WrestlePurists. "And everyone that came to this show tonight chose the right company because we deliver the best pay-per-views, the best professional wrestling."

WWE to Continue AEW Counterprogramming

In one form or another, WWE has tried to eat into AEW's audience since the promotion launched in 2019. Having Worlds Collide in the same city on the same date as All Out was only the most recent example.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Bryan Alvarez (via Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News) reported this will remain a small part of WWE's programming and scheduling strategy.

Alvarez (via Mukherjee) went on to say the next time could be on Oct. 6, when AEW is broadcasting Grand Slam France. That's the same night as NXT's weekly show.

The wrestling insider said it's "presumed NXT will have at least one big main roster."

Grand Slam France includes a title match between Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada. Chris Jericho will also wrestle Nick Wayne. Ospreay vs. Okada alone will be a big draw for fans.

Even if WWE brings out a marquee star or two, NXT may struggle to win the head-to-head ratings battle.