Seth Rollins v Sting: Night of Champions Will Be Vigilante's True WWE PPV Debut

Seth Rollins vs. Sting is the match everyone is talking about at Night of Champions on Sunday and for very good reason. This will undoubtedly be Rollins' biggest test thus far as champion, as Sting is the biggest legend he's faced in the ring.

For Rollins, it's time to once again prove he belongs on top of the company. But for Sting, it's truly his WWE debut on pay-per-view.

That distinction was supposed to have been WrestleMania 31 in March.

That was the night The Icon stepped through the ropes to face The Game in what many felt was the dream match that never took place during the Monday Night Wars. Triple H represented WWE, the company that was fighting for survival, whereas Sting represented WCW, the company that was fighting for supremacy.

Two very different agendas and two very different talents—had this match taken place during that era, the ramifications for both companies would have been huge.

But of course that bout did not happen during that controversial time. The two companies did not go head-to-head in the ring, and neither man ended up on the same roster at the same time. Fans would have to make do with the match taking place in the modern era, when it just did not mean as much.

credit: wwe.com

That did not prevent WWE from selling the contest, however.

It was supposed to have been one for the ages, a showcase of two legendary stars battling it out on the worldwide stage. Bragging rights went along with the match because if Triple H lost, it was a definite statement about the company that won the war; was WWE the weaker brand after all?

But instead of focusing on a long-dead conflict, fans chose to take the time to celebrate Sting.

That was perhaps the one and only time Sting would ever wrestle in a WWE ring. More importantly, it would perhaps be the one and only time he would perform at WrestleMania. The hype surrounding the match was massive, as it should have been.

WWE definitely could not sell it enough to its fanbase.

credit: wwe.com

But the night did not deliver the way many fans felt it would. Sting looked good, but the match became a train wreck when nWo and Degeneration X interfered. For the first time in history, both factions were getting physical on the WrestleMania stage.

However, it did not truly feel like a historic moment for the factions or for Sting himself.

Night of Champions represents a gigantic do-over for Sting. The Icon has a chance to step into the ring against a younger star, a man who will surely push him to his limits. Rollins is younger, faster and perhaps just as talented as Sting was during his prime.

This match is not about a war that has been over for quite some time. This match is about the established veteran versus the future star.

Finally, Sting can prove his mettle against a guy who will sell for him—a guy who will take every bump just a little bit harder and pay respect by giving all he has in return. Rollins is at the top of his game and will give Sting everything he can handle and then some.

WrestleMania must feature the bouts that can sell the most tickets. It's the biggest night of the year for WWE and should be treated as such. Sting vs. Triple H was a logical choice on that platform.

But Sting vs. Rollins should be a considerably better match. The marquee will not be quite as impressive, but the bout should deliver on every level, and that is the important thing. Sting deserved another shot on pay-per-view to show he still has a lot left in the tank, and WWE obliged.

This is Sting's real debut in a WWE ring. The match against Hunter at Mania was solid and has its place. The match against Big Show on Raw was just OK. Both matches together do not provide the kind of showcase Sting needs to both impress and surprise.

Night of Champions should see a reinvigorated Sting, who knows he's stepping into the ring with an immensely talented younger man. Making him look good while also carrying his end of the deal is something Sting has had a lot of experience at.

He will get even more on Sunday. This is Sting's time to shine, and he will not disappoint.

Tom's work can regularly be found on Bleacher Report and his podcast, Tom Clark's Main Event, is available on iTunes, Google Play, Windows Phone, Amazon Android and online here.