Sting is Seth Rollins' biggest test as WWE world champion

Sting cuts a promo on Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins is on his way to a major moment in his career coming up at Night of Champions. That is the night Rollins will defend the United States Championship against John Cena in what will surely be a hard-hitting bout from start to finish. But Seth’s night will not be over yet as he will also be defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against pro wrestling legend Sting.

While Cena is no slouch, it’s the Sting match that has fans all over the world talking. Rollins has been under the microscope before but this will only intensify at Night of Champions as Sting will definitely be his biggest test to date.

Many likely believed that distinction came with Cena and in many ways it did. After all it’s not exactly the easiest thing in the world to get over on the established top guy, especially when that guy is Cena. But Rollins has more than held his own against John thus far, proving he is a main event talent and deserves the adulation that goes along with it. Seth is just that good.

Sting and Seth Rollins face off on Raw

But Cena is not Sting. Sting is a decorated star in his own right and was the face of his company, so in those ways he is similar to John. However, just about everything else is different.

Sting’s pace in the ring is not what it used to be. He is older now and does not take many of the bumps he took back in his prime. He is more methodical in his approach now, more patient and more willing to take the match step by step. Slowing things down means lengthening the match and more importantly, telling the story. Fans can follow along with the bout from the opening bell to the closing bell and feel confident they have experienced the whole story without missing a beat.

Rollins is tasked with slowing down to match Sting’s pace while not compromising his own move-set in the process. Seth still needs to get his spots in but pattern them to flow with the guy he’s working so both of them look good as a result. He can still be the Rollins fans have become accustomed to seeing but he needs to be just as methodical and calculating as the legend he’s in the ring with.

But that’s not to say Sting can’t hang with the champ. In fact, he could very well out-work him.

Sting hooks Triple H up for the Scorpion Death Drop at WrestleMania 31

Sting proved at WrestleMania 31 that he still has plenty left in the tank. The match he worked with Triple H was considered better than many fans expected it would be and both men looked good after it was all over. While Sting lost the match, he did end it on his feet and the crowd knew they had just witnessed a legend leave it all in the ring. Sting does not need his hand held nor does he need to be carried at Night of Champions.

Considering the positive response the Mania match received, NOC should be that much better. Seth is not a 46-year old semi-retired veteran like Hunter is. He will bring a ton of energy and enthusiasm to this bout, which means while he will slow down when he needs to, he can also move at light speed when he needs to as well. In the few seconds of contact he and Sting had on Raw, Rollins bumped hard and fast, selling extremely well for The Icon.

The only question is how will he look when this one is over?

Fans need to see that Seth was able to match Sting move for move while also being out-gunned in certain other eras. This shows respect for Sting’s position and legacy, which has seen him rise to the very top of the industry and remain there for a good portion of his career. But at the same time, Seth must be confident and strong in every area so the proper respect is given to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Seth hoists the WWE World Heavyweight Championship above his head

The title must be bigger than both men and they surely realize that.

Whether fans love him or not, Seth must have their respect and that respect can only be earned by beating one top-notch opponent at a time. Sting is considered unbeatable by many, especially after the melee that broke out between DX and the nWo at Mania. Technically, The Game only won that match thanks to all the distraction and the sledgehammer he blasted Sting with to get the pin.

Sting’s aura is still there however and it’s that aura Seth must overcome. Sting is his biggest test not only in the ring but also in storyline terms because Sting draws his energy from somewhere very dark. The image and the historic career combine to make a character that should never be counted out or bet against. Sting is fully capable of making the comeback and winning despite how much punishment Rollins can hand him.

Seth must be on top of his game and do all he can in this one or he will fail the test Sting presents; in more ways than one.