John Cena vs. Seth Rollins: What's Next for Both Superstars After SummerSlam

Whether you hated or liked SummerSlam—because nobody really loved it—you have to give kudos to John Cena and Seth Rollins. The duo put on a classic match that was among the program's highlights.

On Sunday night, Rollins claimed the United States Championship from Cena following an unlikely assist from SummerSlam host, former host of Comedy Central's The Daily Show and presumed Rollins hater Jon Stewart.

"

Thank you Jon Stewart! https://t.co/lngxCPOI3h

— Eddy (@RainTrain45) August 24, 2015"

Stewart's interference on behalf of the WWE world heavyweight champion was a twist in the Rollins-Cena story. It's a twist that will help the ongoing narrative between Rollins and Cena continue forward, as a showdown between the two Superstars at next month's WWE pay-per-view, Night of Champions, seems destined.

While many will be talking about the finish to this match, let's take a moment to appreciate the greatness of Rollins, who has been involved in some of the best wrestling matches of 2015.

Rollins' Star Shines Brightest at SummerSlam

It's interesting to note that throughout his U.S. title reign, Cena has expanded his repertoire to match his growing list of talented opponents.

Against Rollins at SummerSlam, however, it felt like the same Cena we've grown accustomed to seeing for the last 10 years.

He felt flat, stale in comparison to Rollins. While Rollins has been among the best in-ring technicians for WWE since his title reign began at WrestleMania 31, Cena has been the guy who has impressed. Whether it was during a U.S. title open challenge on Raw or matches on the midcard at pay-per-views, Cena's performances have been stellar.

Until SummerSlam, Cena's wins have been clean with a growing arsenal of moves—aside from the atrocious springboard stunner that even Stone Cold Steve Austin tweeted on Sunday has "zero effect".

But it was Rollins who wowed with his agility and strength. Rollins was the star at SummerSlam, with an arsenal of moves that was head and shoulders above Cena's.

"

RT SummerSlam: BEAUTIFUL #FrogSplash by WWERollins on JohnCena! #SummerSlam #TitleforTitle pic.twitter.com/oz3shsjkic

— WWEResults (@WWEResult) August 24, 2015"

"

When I say somethings about to happen, it's about to happen! #CenaVsRollins #SummerSlam #Brooklyn #WWE pic.twitter.com/NvcIPkthZd

— Bryan Fonseca (@BryanFonsecaNY) August 24, 2015"

The only thing missing from Rollins' championship performance on Sunday was a clean 1-2-3 pin. Instead, we got Stewart delivering a chair shot to Cena, allowing Rollins to win the only way he knows how: dirty.

The Rubber Match at Night of Champions

But that plays into the narrative the WWE Universe has been hearing throughout Rollins' championship reign. He can't win alone. He needs outside help. He can't get the job done on his own.

Come Monday night on Raw, we're bound to hear the same story from Cena, who will ask for his championship rematch.

Cena's preached this same message since the post-Battleground Raw last month. Accusing Rollins of being a poor champion meant something from the man who defended his title each week on Raw. Surely, Cena will ask for an immediate rematch on Monday's episode of Raw.

If it's granted, it'll likely end in a no-contest finish because that's how Rollins rolls. And why should WWE fans get the immediate rematch and payoff for the company's two most prestigious titles?

That's not best for business.

Waiting to host the rematch at Night of Champions on September 20 is the endgame here. It was exactly one year ago that Rollins potentially cost Cena a chance to reclaim the WWE title he lost to Brock Lesnar at that year's edition of SummerSlam, when Rollins interfered trying to cash in his Money in the Bank contract.

Plus, it's likely that Lesnar—following his own screwy loss to Undertaker on Sunday night at SummerSlam—will take one of his predetermined hiatuses afforded to him on account of being a part-time wrestler. That means WWE will need something big to draw pay-per-view buys and increased WWE Network subscriptions.

A rematch featuring the company's champion and its preeminent face can do that.

Until then, WWE fans will likely see a number of Rollins challenge matches—the champion's effort to do everything Cena does, but better. Fans will hear countless times from Cena about how to be a true champion, only to have Rollins interrupt and cut another long promo.

We'll probably see a couple of tag team matches, maybe with Kevin Owens and Cesaro. Maybe we'll even get a botched Sheamus cash-in attempt using his Money in the Bank contract.

But don't expect the Rollins-Cena feud to go away anytime soon. It seems we could be watching it for the next few months.