Adam Pearce announces title vacancy following Rollins’ injury
Summary
– Seth Rollins sidelined after major surgery
– Adam Pearce vacates the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
– New champion to be crowned at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1
The October 20 episode of WWE RAW opened with General Manager Adam Pearce standing inside the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Before he could speak, Bron Breakker appeared backstage holding the World Heavyweight Title over his shoulder, joined by Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman. The trio made their way to the ring as the tension built among the crowd.
Pearce confirmed that Seth Rollins had suffered a severe injury and undergone major surgery, forcing him to step away from competition indefinitely. The news ended days of speculation about his condition and status as champion.
Pearce officially declared the WWE World Heavyweight Championship vacant and revealed plans to crown a new titleholder at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1 in Salt Lake City. CM Punk was already confirmed for the match, with his opponent to be decided in an upcoming over-the-top-rope battle royal.
Bron Breakker initially resisted handing back the championship, but Pearce ultimately reclaimed the belt. Paul Heyman then addressed the audience on behalf of Breakker and Reed, asserting that their dominance was far from over despite the setback.
This development follows the collapse of The Vision faction one week earlier. After CM Punk defeated Jey Uso and LA Knight to become the number one contender, Breakker speared Rollins, and Reed hit Punk with a Tsunami. Heyman then raised their arms as Breakker held Rollins’ championship high, foreshadowing the fallout seen this week.
With Rollins recovering from surgery and The Vision in ruins, RAW’s main event picture is wide open once again.
