Few names in modern wrestling generate as much discussion as Seth Rollins. With multiple world titles to his credit, he has long been viewed as one of the best in-ring performers of his generation. Yet despite his accomplishments, debates about whether he has ever truly been the face of WWE continue to spark conversations among fans and analysts alike.
Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray shared his perspective on Rollins’ status during an episode of Busted Open Radio. According to Ray, while Rollins has the resume and skill set of a top-tier star, there is still something missing when comparing him to fellow headliners like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk.
Bully Ray’s Core Argument: The Missing Emotional Connection
In Bully Ray’s view, the issue doesn’t lie in Rollins’ talent or championship pedigree. Instead, it comes down to one thing: emotional connection with the audience.
“I always go back to what it truly has to do with, and this is old school 101, emotional connection to an audience,” Ray explained. “People genuinely love Cody. Children love Cody, thus, the parents love Cody. Roman has a god-like aura to him. Punk, the consummate rebel, has always been the voice of the voiceless and the people’s guy. All three of those guys have a unique emotional connection. Seth doesn’t have that level of emotion yet, and he’s been around for a long time.”
Ray’s comments highlight a vital truth in professional wrestling: titles and accolades matter, but the ability to create lasting emotional bonds with fans is what elevates a superstar to legendary status.
Comparing Seth Rollins to WWE’s Biggest Stars
To put Rollins’ career in perspective, Bully Ray compared him directly to Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk—three men who have successfully positioned themselves as cornerstones of WWE.
Cody Rhodes: Known as the “American Nightmare,” Cody resonates deeply with children and families. His underdog story, his father Dusty Rhodes’ legacy, and his heartfelt promos have given him a genuine connection with fans.
Roman Reigns: The “Tribal Chief” commands the aura of royalty. His presentation, dominance, and Samoan heritage give him a sense of legitimacy that makes audiences feel as though they are in the presence of greatness whenever he steps into the arena.
CM Punk: A rebel and a voice for disenfranchised fans, Punk’s authenticity and willingness to speak truth to power have made him an enduring fan favorite.
In contrast, Bully Ray suggested that while Seth Rollins is respected for his work rate and charisma, he lacks the same kind of deep-rooted fan connection. Fans enjoy Rollins, but do they love him with the same intensity that they love Rhodes, Reigns, or Punk?
The Subtle Nuance: “Is a Wrestler” vs. “Plays a Wrestler”
To further clarify his point, Bully Ray raised an intriguing question: when you see these top stars, do they come across as authentic wrestlers, or do they look like they are simply portraying one?
Dave LaGreca, Ray’s co-host, quickly identified Cody, Roman, and Punk as genuine professional wrestlers. But when it came to Seth Rollins, he hesitated.
“You’re not as quick to say ‘is pro wrestler’ as you were the other three,” Ray observed. “That is the microscopic nuance of the emotional connection to Seth, where when you see the get-ups every week, it’s almost like he’s trying so hard.”
Ray elaborated further, noting that while Rhodes can wear a suit naturally, Roman looks regal in anything he wears, and Punk comes off as an everyday guy, Rollins’ flamboyant outfits sometimes feel like a performance rather than an extension of himself.
“He’s putting Seth Rollins on on Monday night and taking it off on Tuesday morning,” Ray said, implying that the character doesn’t always feel fully authentic outside of the ring.
Seth Rollins’ Style: A Strength and a Weakness
Part of what makes Seth Rollins unique is his eccentric personality, dazzling fashion choices, and unpredictable energy. From his vibrant suits to his maniacal laugh, Rollins has crafted a persona that stands out on WWE television.
But according to Bully Ray, this may also be the very thing that prevents Rollins from connecting on the same level as his peers. While the spectacle entertains, it can sometimes create a barrier between Rollins and the audience, who may see the character as exaggerated rather than relatable.
In wrestling, fans want to believe that the superstar they see on TV is the same person they’d encounter in real life. The more natural the persona, the easier it is to form that emotional bond.
Seth Rollins’ Current Position in WWE
Despite Bully Ray’s critique, there’s no denying that Seth Rollins is one of WWE’s most accomplished performers.
He is the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
He has held over half a dozen world titles across his career.
He won Money in the Bank and successfully cashed in at WrestleMania 31, creating one of the most iconic moments in WWE history.
He has defeated legends such as John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Triple H.
Recently, Rollins has taken issue with fans labeling Cody Rhodes as the “quarterback” of WWE. Rollins believes he holds that role himself and aims to prove it in the upcoming Champion vs. Champion match against Rhodes at WWE Crown Jewel.
The match carries high stakes, with the winner not only earning a special Crown Jewel Championship but also receiving a commemorative ring. This showdown could serve as Rollins’ opportunity to solidify himself as more than just a top performer—perhaps even as the true face of WWE.
What Seth Rollins Needs to Reach the Next Level
According to Bully Ray, the solution for Rollins is not about adding new moves or winning more titles. Instead, it’s about deepening his emotional resonance with fans.
Here are the key elements that could elevate Rollins:
Authenticity: Rollins needs to bridge the gap between his flamboyant persona and his real self, creating a character that feels genuine both inside and outside the ring.
Consistency: A consistent message and character arc could strengthen his identity and help fans connect with him on a deeper level.
Emotional Storylines: WWE thrives when its stars are placed in emotionally driven storylines. By focusing on rivalries and angles that highlight his personal struggles and triumphs, Rollins could establish the same bond fans feel with Rhodes, Reigns, and Punk.
Fan Interaction: More organic interactions with fans—through promos, community events, and spontaneous crowd engagement—could help Rollins solidify himself as more than a performer.
Why Emotional Connection Is the Heart of Wrestling
Bully Ray’s argument underscores a fundamental truth: wrestling is about more than athleticism or championships. At its core, it’s about emotion and storytelling. Fans invest in wrestlers they feel connected to, whether that’s through admiration, hatred, or empathy.
Cody Rhodes is loved for his perseverance and legacy.
Roman Reigns is revered for his dominance and aura.
CM Punk is cherished for his authenticity and rebellious spirit.
For Seth Rollins to reach that same level, he needs to spark that same kind of connection. Until then, he risks being remembered as an all-time great worker, but not the central figure of an era.
The Stakes at WWE Crown Jewel
The upcoming Champion vs. Champion match between Rollins and Rhodes could be pivotal. Not only does it determine who walks out with bragging rights, but it may also shape the narrative of who truly leads WWE into its next chapter.
For Rollins, a victory could silence critics and solidify his claim as the “quarterback” of WWE. For Rhodes, it’s a chance to further prove that he has the hearts of the fans and the backing of the company.
Bully Ray’s comments add even more intrigue, as fans will watch closely to see if Rollins can finally deliver the kind of emotional performance that connects on the same level as his peers.
Bully Ray’s critique of Seth Rollins offers an interesting perspective on what truly makes a top WWE star. While Rollins has the talent, championships, and charisma to be considered elite, what he may be missing is the intangible bond that ties fans to their favorites.
In wrestling, emotional connection is everything. It’s what makes Cody Rhodes beloved, Roman Reigns revered, and CM Punk timeless. Until Rollins can cultivate that same depth of connection, he will remain just short of the top tier in the eyes of legends like Bully Ray.
That said, Rollins’ story is far from over. With his current reign as World Heavyweight Champion and an upcoming showdown with Cody Rhodes, the stage is set for him to prove once and for all that he belongs in the conversation not just as a great champion—but as the true face of WWE.
