5 Ways Seth Rollins Can Return to WWE: Five Potential Storylines for The Visionary in 2027

Seth Rollins has been absent from WWE programming since his defeat to World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns at SummerSlam 2026. Although his break could be part of a planned hiatus, his eventual return remains an important possibility as WWE prepares for the Road to the Royal Rumble.

Rollins is one of the most versatile performers on the WWE roster. His experience as a former world champion, strong microphone skills, and ability to work with different styles of opponents make him a valuable addition to either RAW or SmackDown.

His absence may also be connected to the return of his real-life wife, Becky Lynch, who resumed competing after The Biggest Party of the Summer. Rollins and WWE could be using this period to give him time away from the spotlight before introducing a fresh storyline.

Although he is not currently part of the reported plans for Survivor Series: WarGames, his return could happen at several points. Here are five potential ways Seth Rollins could make his comeback to WWE.

#5. Seth Rollins Backs Up Oba Femi Against The Vision

One possible way for Seth Rollins to return would be by helping Oba Femi in a confrontation with The Vision. Rollins was among the first WWE stars to welcome Femi to the main roster, establishing a connection between the two performers.

When Rollins was not medically cleared to compete, Femi stepped in after Brock Lesnar targeted The Architect. That moment helped establish Femi as someone willing to stand alongside Rollins against powerful opponents.

Rollins was eventually cleared in time for WrestleMania, and his connection with The Ruler has continued through their appearances together at live events. A reunion on television would therefore have an existing storyline foundation rather than feeling like a completely unexpected alliance.

There is also unfinished business between Rollins and Bron Breakker. Although Rollins previously won their feud, The Vision could provide an easy route back into a meaningful rivalry.

Rather than immediately returning to the world championship picture, Rollins could focus on helping Femi deal with The Vision. This storyline would allow WWE to bring back an established main-event performer while continuing to build one of its newer stars.

#4. Seth Rollins Works With New Intercontinental Champion Ethan Page

Another possibility would see Rollins return to RAW and enter the Intercontinental Championship scene. The brand’s midcard division has featured a familiar group of competitors, including Je’Von Evans, Ethan Page, Big Cass, Dragon Lee, and Chad Gable.

With Evans and Penta holding the tag team championships, their attention could shift toward defending those titles. That would potentially create room for a fresh singles rivalry involving Rollins and Page.

Page is not new to professional wrestling, but he is still establishing his position within WWE. A program against a former world champion such as Rollins could give All Ego an opportunity to gain greater exposure and demonstrate his abilities against an established main-event performer.

Rollins would not necessarily need to challenge for the Intercontinental Championship immediately. A competitive rivalry could help develop Page’s character while giving Rollins meaningful matches outside the main-event scene.

The supplied scenario also mentions Rey Fenix as a future challenger for the Intercontinental Championship. If that title program develops as expected, Rollins could remain involved in the wider division without immediately entering the championship picture.

For WWE, this would be an opportunity to use Rollins’ experience to elevate another performer while refreshing RAW’s midcard storylines.

#3. Seth Rollins Moves to SmackDown

A move to SmackDown could give Seth Rollins an entirely different set of opponents and storylines. Several major WWE names have already switched to the blue brand during 2026, including Finn Balor, CM Punk, and Gunther.

The Undisputed WWE Championship picture is already crowded with Balor, Gunther, Punk, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens. However, Rollins would not necessarily need to enter that championship competition immediately.

He could instead work with several other performers who would benefit from sharing the ring with an established star. Nathan Frazer, for example, is Rollins’ protégé, creating an opportunity for the two to develop a storyline together.

Rollins could also target Damian Priest after Priest’s recent actions against both Rollins and Frazer. Such a rivalry would give him a personal reason to return and could establish an immediate direction for his SmackDown run.

Another potential opponent is United States Champion Trick Williams. Rollins could bring his experience and personality into a rivalry with Williams, helping keep the championship division active.

There are additional possibilities involving Ricky Saints or a reunion with Kevin Owens. Rollins and Owens have an established history, and bringing their partnership back could create another interesting direction for the blue brand.

A brand switch would ultimately provide Rollins with fresh opponents without requiring WWE to immediately rearrange its existing world title picture.

#2. Seth Rollins Waits Until the 2027 Royal Rumble to Return

WWE could also choose to keep Rollins away from television until the 2027 Royal Rumble. The annual event has become a major stage for surprise returns and unexpected debuts, making it a suitable opportunity for a high-profile comeback.

The 2026 Royal Rumble featured Royce Keys making his debut, and he has since become involved in a feud with The Bloodline. Although not every returning or debuting performer experiences the same level of success, the event provides a major platform for introducing new storylines.

Rollins entering the 2027 men’s Royal Rumble match would immediately attract attention. His return could create an exciting moment, especially if WWE keeps his appearance secret until the match is underway.

There is also a precedent for major stars returning during the Royal Rumble. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair both made their returns in the 2025 match, although Charlotte was the one who enjoyed success in the competition.

Rollins would not be the only major name potentially available for a comeback around that time. Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton are also mentioned as possible returning former champions.

If WWE does not have major free-agent debuts planned for the event, holding Rollins’ comeback until late January could make sense. The Royal Rumble would give him an immediate opportunity to enter a major storyline and potentially begin a road toward WrestleMania.

#1. Seth Rollins Challenges WWE Champion Sami Zayn

One of the most interesting possibilities would be a rivalry between Seth Rollins and Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn. If Rollins is not immediately returning to the World Heavyweight Championship picture, he could move to SmackDown and establish himself as a challenger for Zayn’s title.

Zayn has already faced several established names, including Kevin Owens, CM Punk, Trick Williams, and Cody Rhodes. A rivalry with Rollins would introduce another experienced opponent and give the champion a fresh challenge.

Rollins and Zayn also have history together. They previously competed against each other during Rollins’ time as World Heavyweight Champion, meaning WWE would have an existing competitive background to build upon.

Their different personalities and strong microphone skills could make the rivalry particularly interesting. Both performers are capable of delivering engaging promos, creating opportunities for a storyline that develops beyond their matches.

The championship picture could also become more complicated if Cody Rhodes receives another opportunity against Zayn. Adding Rollins to the mix would introduce another major name and potentially create a new direction for the Undisputed WWE Championship storyline.

For Rollins, challenging Zayn would provide an immediate opportunity to return to the main-event scene. For the champion, facing a former world champion with an established reputation would create a significant test.

Which Seth Rollins WWE Return Scenario Makes the Most Sense?

Seth Rollins has several potential routes back to WWE programming, ranging from a reunion with Oba Femi to a fresh rivalry with Ethan Page or a move to SmackDown. A surprise appearance at the 2027 Royal Rumble would also give WWE an opportunity to create a major comeback moment.

However, a championship rivalry with Sami Zayn could offer the biggest immediate storyline opportunity, particularly if WWE wants to position Rollins near the top of the card again.

Ultimately, Rollins’ versatility gives WWE plenty of creative options. Whether he returns before the Royal Rumble or waits until early 2027, his comeback could influence multiple storylines across both brands.