Seth Rollins' Future as Main Event Star Hinges on WWE Battleground 2016 Outcome

Seth Rollins was the man: a top guy and WWE world heavyweight champion. But then his injury happened in November, and suddenly it all came to a standstill.

Fans likely believed that once he returned, he would resume his role in the company. But then Dean Ambrose won the title Rollins never lost at Money in the Bank and Roman Reigns was suspended on June 21 for a wellness policy violation.

Battleground, which didn't seem to be that big of a deal at first, has consequently reached a new level of importance for Seth. Indeed, his main event future hinges on its outcome.

A major reason for that is Reigns' return. He is still booked to work the all-Shield Triple Threat match on July 24, which has become a serious topic of debate among the WWE faithful. His involvement, while controversial, has also taken some of the focus off Seth.

Rollins helped his cause by bringing the Reigns situation to the forefront on Monday Night Raw, but that brief moment of spotlight may not be enough to keep him on the right track.

The problem here is all the light is shining on Reigns and Ambrose. Many probably feel Roman is going right back to the top spot he left upon his suspension. Dean's fans surely believe he deserves to keep the belt at Battleground.

If either scenario happens, then Seth is the odd man out.

That's not to suggest he can't handle himself despite what happens at Battleground. Rollins is great at what he does, and he is fully capable of working in any storyline the company books him in. But he operated at such a high level before his injury that anything less could seem like a step down.

Of the three men, Rollins was trusted with the championship first. He took the responsibility head-on and did an admirable job as champion. But to fall out of favor would not be good for him or his main event career.

So does this mean it's the WWE World Heavyweight Championship or nothing?

As much as Seth deserves the spotlight, Dean did just get it. He was the last one to the title scene, and the belt is barely warm around his waist. To take it from him would perhaps be a disservice to him and the effort he's made to reach the top.

Then there's the fact Dean and Seth have an intense rivalry going that WWE has only just begun to explore. Even if Seth did lose at Battleground, he could still likely be in the hunt for the championship against Dean.

The company would have the perfect opportunity to tell their story, and that story could end at SummerSlam, possibly with a Hell in a Cell showdown. Both men would benefit from the angle, and Seth could go on to win the title for the third time.

The two could even trade the belt back and forth at the next few events, building the championship one great match at a time.

But one wrong move on WWE's part and Seth goes on a different path.

This is where Roman Reigns comes in. The man believed to be the heir apparent to John Cena is the X-factor in this match. Any scenario in which he walks away from Battleground with the championship could be detrimental for both Seth and Dean.

So why isn't there enough room at the top?

The fact is despite how over both Dean and Seth are, one of them would probably drift down to a high midcard spot with a Reigns win at Battleground. WWE typically goes with one title contender at a time, much like when AJ Styles challenged Roman for the title.

That means either Rollins or Ambrose would take the third spot down, and if Cena returns to the title picture, it would then be the fourth spot down. Add Brock Lesnar into the mix, and suddenly the outcome looks much worse indeed.

If WWE plays this the right way, Reigns would be the one to take the backseat. One mistake should not be a death sentence for him, but it would be the best opportunity for WWE to pull him back, and reinvent him.

Meanwhile, Seth would be left in the top spot he deserves. Anything less, and he could lose so much momentum he might not see the main event again for quite some time. Rollins is a major player and should be treated as such. 

Rollins has done everything right, and he's one of the best Superstars the company has seen in a long time. With any luck, WWE recognizes this and does right by him.

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