Seth Rollins Admits He ‘Got Emotional’ About Vince McMahon’s Departure

WWE

Seth Rollins has recalled finding out that Vince McMahon would be retiring from his positions as Chairman and CEO of WWE.

Though it was inevitable that McMahon would step away from his role as WWE Chairman and CEO one day, it still came as a surprise to the wrestling world when he announced his retirement on July 22, following ‘hush pact’ allegations.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani of BT Sport, Rollins recalled the moment that he received the news via a memo while he was at an airport with his wife and fellow star, Becky Lynch.

Rollins said:

“I couldn’t believe it. It was one of those things where you’ll never forget (where you were), when it happened, it was so abrupt. I was not prepared and … it got me emotional.”

Seth Rollins was involved in several segments with Vince McMahon in the months prior to his retirement.

The two notably featured in segments together in the run-up to WrestleMania 38, with Vince arranging a mystery opponent for Rollins to face. The opponent was of course Cody Rhodes, making his highly anticipated return.

Looking back on their working relationship, Rollins continued:

“I mean, I love Vince. He’s been like a father figure to me over the past 10 years. He’s someone (whose) approval means a lot to me.

“I kinda was just like ‘Wow, is this the last time I’m ever gonna see Vince?’ When you have such a close relationship with someone, ups and downs, it just felt like I was losing a friend and losing a mentor.”

Rollins went on to clarify that despite leaving an audio message for McMahon after receiving the news, he has not ever received a response or heard from him since.

Vince McMahon served as the Chairman and CEO of WWE from 1982 to his retirement earlier this year.

After being a constant backstage within WWE for so long, it is perhaps no surprise that his retirement would provoke an emotional response from stars who had worked with him.

‘The Visionary’ Seth Rollins has most recently been involved in an ongoing feud with Riddle. The two faced off at Clash at The Castle, with Rollins ultimately securing the victory.

The two were involved in a backstage brawl after the October 3 edition of Raw went off the air, ahead of their Fight Pit match at Extreme Rules.

In an off-air promo before the brawl, Seth Rollins had announced to the crowd that the ‘no contact’ clause prior to the fight had expired, referencing the late wrestling promoter Jack Tunney Jr.

The Fit Pit match will take place at Extreme Rules on October 8 with UFC legend Daniel Cormier serving as special guest referee.

You can check out the announced card for the premium live event right here.

Transcription via Wrestling Inc.

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• retirement
• Seth Rollins
• Vince McMahon
• wwe

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