Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura have been at each other’s throats for months, ever since Nakamura attacked Rollins after their match at WWE Payback. Rollins, who retained his World Heavyweight Championship in that bout, has been obsessed with getting revenge on Nakamura, who claims to know about Rollins’ back injury. Nakamura has repeatedly targeted Rollins’ back, leaving him in agony and unable to compete.
Rollins has challenged Nakamura to a rematch several times, but Nakamura has played mind games with him, making him wait and suffer. On the September 25 episode of WWE Raw, Rollins issued a final ultimatum to Nakamura, demanding an answer for his challenge. Nakamura appeared on the titantron and accepted the challenge, but with a twist. He announced that their rematch would take place at WWE Fastlane on October 7, and it would be a Last Man Standing match.
What is a Last Man Standing match?
A Last Man Standing match is one of the most brutal and dangerous match types in WWE history. The only way to win is to incapacitate your opponent so that they cannot answer the referee’s count of 10. There are no disqualifications, no count-outs, no pinfalls, and no submissions. Anything goes, and anything can be used as a weapon.
Some of the most memorable Last Man Standing matches in WWE history include John Cena vs. Umaga at Royal Rumble 2007, Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels at Royal Rumble 2004, The Rock vs. Mankind at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre 1999, and Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens at Royal Rumble 2021.
Who has the advantage in this match?
Both Rollins and Nakamura are former world champions and have proven themselves to be resilient and ruthless competitors. However, they also have different strengths and weaknesses that could affect the outcome of this match.
Rollins is known as “The Visionary” for his cunning and creativity in the ring. He has shown that he can adapt to any situation and use any means necessary to win. He is also one of the most athletic and agile superstars in WWE, capable of delivering high-flying moves and devastating strikes. However, his back injury could be his Achilles’ heel, as Nakamura has exploited it several times. If Nakamura can target Rollins’ back again, he could render him unable to stand up.
Nakamura is known as “The King of Strong Style” for his hard-hitting and unorthodox style of wrestling. He is a master of martial arts and has a lethal arsenal of kicks, knees, elbows, and submissions. He is also one of the most charismatic and unpredictable superstars in WWE, often surprising his opponents with his mind games and taunts. However, his arrogance could be his downfall, as he sometimes underestimates his opponents or wastes time celebrating. If Rollins can catch him off guard or capitalize on his mistakes, he could put him down for the count.
What are the stakes of this match?
This match is not only about the World Heavyweight Championship, but also about pride and respect. Rollins wants to prove that he is the best wrestler in the world and that he can overcome any obstacle. He also wants to shut Nakamura up once and for all and make him pay for his attacks. Nakamura wants to prove that he is the true king of WWE and that he can expose Rollins’ weakness. He also wants to take Rollins’ title and end his reign.
This match could also have implications for the future of WWE, as both superstars are potential candidates to face the Universal Champion at WrestleMania 39. Whoever wins this match could earn a shot at the biggest prize in sports entertainment on the grandest stage of them all.
Don’t miss this epic showdown between Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura at WWE Fastlane on Saturday, October 7, streaming live on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.
