
WWE Reportedly Forced To Drop Shocking SummerSlam Moment
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
On the eve of WWE SummerSlam, a new report has revealed the original, shocking creative plan for Seth Rollins and his Money in the Bank contract. The plan involved a dramatic cash-in following the World Heavyweight Championship match that would have had massive repercussions.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the original plan was for Rollins to cash in his briefcase at the conclusion of the match between GUNTHER and CM Punk. This adds another layer of intrigue to the mystery surrounding Rollins' current injury status.
The Original Cash-In Plan
Meltzer reported that the plan was for Seth Rollins to cash in his contract immediately after the World Heavyweight Championship match on Saturday night. The report notes that this creative direction was still in place as of one week after Rollins suffered his knee injury at Saturday Night's Main Event.
Meltzer noted that a storyline where "Punk finally winning the title and then Rollins cashing in after making everyone think his knee was blown out is actually a great one."
However, he also stated it is unknown if WWE will stick with this plan now that it has been reported, as the company values the element of surprise.
The "Heist Of The Century" Part II?
A surprise cash-in from Seth Rollins would be a callback to the most iconic moment of his career. At WrestleMania 31 in 2015, Rollins created the "Heist of the Century" when he cashed in his Money in the Bank contract during the main event between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, pinning Reigns to steal the WWE Championship.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 23: General atmosphere at the WWE SummerSlam 2015 at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on August 23, 2015 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 23: General atmosphere at the WWE SummerSlam 2015 at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on August 23, 2015 in New York City.
That moment established him as the ultimate opportunist. The original plan for SummerSlam would have been a perfect echo of that history, this time targeting his most bitter rival.
More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match
A Rivalry's Ultimate Payoff
The idea of Rollins cashing in specifically on CM Punk would be the ultimate conclusion to their deeply personal feud. Since Punk's return to WWE, Rollins has been his most vocal and aggressive antagonist. For Rollins to potentially allow his nemesis to achieve his dream of winning a world title, only to snatch it away moments later, would be a devastating and personal act of villainy.
The entire situation now hinges on the legitimacy of Rollins' injury. While initial reports and a video of him on crutches suggest the knee injury is real, this new report of a planned cash-in has fans wondering if it could all be part of a masterful deception. All eyes will now be on the World Heavyweight Championship match tomorrow night.
More WWE News:
For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New York Post
9 minutes ago
- New York Post
Brooke Hogan asked out of Hulk Hogan's will over family fears: ‘I don't know how deep this stuff goes'
Brooke Hogan has opened up about why she removed herself from Hulk Hogan's will in 2023. 'I was now pregnant with twins and married, and my husband's family is so kind and so sweet. And I have something to lose, money didn't matter,' the daughter of the WWE icon said Tuesday on former Hulk friend Bubba the Love Sponge's show. 'I was sobbing, and I just said, 'Take me off everything, I don't want to be a part of it.'' Hulk, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71 on July 24 after a cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Fla. Brooke, 37, said she took herself off the will to avoid potential conflicts with other family members, including her mother, Linda Hogan, and Hulk's third wife, Sky Daily. Brooke expressed concern because Linda 'has been known to kind of find herself in the mix with things like that,' and because she had heard that Daily was a Scientologist, and knew the organization had 'powerful backing.' Brooke Hogan and Hulk Hogan on Dec. 15, 2006. MediaPunch/Shutterstock 'I'm like, 'I don't want to fight Linda, I don't want to find Scientology, I don't want somebody that I love to get knocked off, I don't know how deep this stuff goes,'' Brooke said. 'It scared me, and I just said, 'I want out.'' She did qualify that remark by saying she had 'no problem' with Daily, who she said was always nice to her. She then added that she hopes her father would have trusted her with his intellectual property and trademarks, because she 'would have done the right thing.' Brooke Hogan and Hulk Hogan on Dec. 2, 2006. REUTERS 'I would have made him an Elvis legacy, or a Marilyn Monroe legacy, or a Selena [Quintanilla-Perez] legacy,' she said. 'And I hope that whoever has his marks does that. I just know that the people around him are pretty shady and not in his best interest.' Brooke was not in attendance at Hogan's 2023 wedding with Daily, and TMZ reported that Brooke and Hulk had their last conversation two weeks before the wedding. In an Instagram post last week, Brooke honored her father in a post that said: 'You were my everything and I will always be your daughter – for all the love, light and goodness you brought into this world.'


Newsweek
10 minutes ago
- Newsweek
AEW Veteran Reportedly Sidelined With Serious Injury
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The fairytale TNT Championship reign of Dustin Rhodes has come to a tragic and premature end. A new report has confirmed that the wrestling veteran is set to undergo double knee surgery and will be out of action until at least 2026. This news comes just days after Rhodes lost the championship to Kyle Fletcher in a brutal street fight on AEW Collision. His reign, which began with an emotional victory at All In: Texas, has been cut short after just one successful defense. A Brutal End To A Fairytale Reign On the July 26th episode of AEW Collision, Dustin Rhodes defended his TNT Title against Kyle Fletcher of the Don Callis Family. During the violent street fight, Fletcher hit Rhodes in the head with a screwdriver before delivering a Brainbuster to capture the championship. After the match, Fletcher continued the assault, targeting Rhodes' knee. The segment ended with the former champion being taken away on a stretcher. Rhodes later confirmed on social media that he would need a "very invasive major surgery" and shut down any speculation that the injury was just a storyline. We couldn't be more proud of you, @DustinRhodes. Get well soon! — All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 3, 2025 The "Natural": A Legendary Career Dustin Rhodes has had one of the most unique and enduring careers in wrestling history. He is most famously known for his revolutionary "Goldust" character in WWE during the Attitude Era. The bizarre, androgynous, and controversial gimmick became iconic, and Dustin's incredible talent as a performer made it one of the most memorable characters of all time. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. Courtesy of AEW More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match Fightful Select has revealed more details, confirming that Rhodes is dealing with a knee injury and will undergo double knee surgery. He'll be out of action for an extended period, with no return expected before 2026. After leaving WWE, he experienced a massive career renaissance in AEW. His bloody and emotional match against his brother, Cody Rhodes, at the first Double or Nothing pay-per-view in 2019 is considered an all-time classic. The match proved that even after three decades in the business, "The Natural" could still perform at an elite level. An Emotional Championship Victory His long journey culminated last month at the All In: Texas pay-per-view at Globe Life Field. In an emotional and surprising moment, Dustin Rhodes won a multi-man match to capture the TNT Championship, his first major singles title in AEW. The fairytale victory was seen as a well-deserved reward for a lifetime of dedication to the business. Unfortunately, that dream run was cut tragically short by this legitimate injury. The wrestling world now wishes the legendary "Natural" a full and speedy recovery. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.


Newsweek
40 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Pamela Anderson Responds to Meghan Markle Plagiarism Claim
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Pamela Anderson has shot down allegations Meghan Markle plagiarized her cooking show during an interview on live TV. The Duchess of Sussex debuted With Love, Meghan on Netflix in March, but some online critics suggested the idea was a copy of Anderson's show, Pamela's Cooking With Love. Andy Cohen asked the Naked Gun actor whether she agreed during her appearance on his show Watch What Happens Live. Meghan Markle smiles during a photo posted on Instagram to mark her birthday by her lifestyle brand As Ever on August 4, 2025. Meghan Markle smiles during a photo posted on Instagram to mark her birthday by her lifestyle brand As Ever on August 4, 2025. As Ever/Instagram Why It Matters Meghan's Netflix show has faced a barrage of criticism from reviewers across the U.S. media as well as the many social media users who routinely mock the duchess. And Meghan's five-year deal with the streaming giant ends in September, raising questions about whether it will be renewed. In that context, Meghan might well find it something of a relief to hear someone come to her defense. What To Know Cohen, previously a guest on Meghan's first podcast Archetypes, asked Anderson: "On a scale from one to 10, how much of a rip-off did you feel like With Love, Meghan was of your show, Pamela's Cooking With Love? There were articles saying that these two shows were very similar." Anderson replied: "One. I didn't." Cohen said: "One? On a scale from one to 10, you did not see any similarities?" Pamela about being compared to "With love,Meghan" — That 1 (@ihtiandrs12) August 4, 2025 "No," Anderson replied. "I didn't really look, but I mean I didn't invent cooking shows. She's just doing her thing." A clip of the exchange was viewed more than 92,000 times after being on X with the message: "Pamela about being compared to 'With love, Meghan.'" What People Are Saying One post on social media read: "Meghan Markle copied Pamela Andersons gestures right down to hand-movements in her Netflix show." Another account wrote: "Meghan Markle's With Love, Meghan vs. Pamela Anderson's Pamela's Cooking With Love? The difference couldn't be clearer. One is a genuine celebration of food, family, and authenticity, while the other is a shallow, copy cat attempt to sell a polished image." Meghan Markle's "With Love, Meghan" vs. Pamela Anderson's "Pamela's Cooking With Love"? The difference couldn't be clearer. One is a genuine celebration of food, family, and authenticity, while the other is a shallow, copy cat attempt to sell a polished image. Pamela's show... — Meghan Markle Parody (@queenofmemes80) February 24, 2025 "Pamela's show exudes warmth. She highlights chefs and their craft, focusing on family, making it relatable to anyone who values good company and fresh home-cooked meals. It's down-to-earth, inviting, and real." Others defended the duchess, with one writing: "The British Media fetish of creating imaginary enemies and scenario about Meghan Sussex and EVERY Famous Person, that walks this earth needs to be studied. So happy Pamela Anderson & Gwyneth Paltrow didn't entertain the #TBM and the never ending fantasies they continue to create." Another said: "She also said she didn't invent cooking shows, & Meghan is doing her thing. Absolutely. Meghan is doing her own thing. She's living life on her terms. Good on Pamela for refusing to join in the hate campaign against Meghan. It's nice to see there's still decent & honest people about." What Happens Next Meghan has until September to renegotiate the Netflix TV deal she signed with Prince Harry in September 2020. Netflix is also an equity partner in her lifestyle business As Ever, which launches its latest wine, a 2024 rosé, on Tuesday. Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page. Do you have a question about Charles and Queen Camilla, William and Kate, Meghan Markle and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@ We'd love to hear from you.