MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs #470/471: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch

Colby Daniel Lopez, known globally by his ring name Seth Rollins, was born on May 28, 1986, in the quiet town of Buffalo, Iowa. Over two decades, he has evolved from an ambitious young talent on the independent wrestling circuit into one of World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) most decorated, dynamic, and enduring performers.

Rollins first made his mark in professional wrestling between 2005 and 2010, competing under the ring name Tyler Black. His early career was primarily defined by his tenure in Ring of Honor (ROH), one of the most respected independent wrestling promotions in the United States. In ROH, he began to build a formidable reputation as a high-octane performer, praised for his agility, storytelling, and fierce in-ring intensity. During this time, he became both ROH World Champion and ROH World Tag Team Champion, the latter alongside Jimmy Jacobs. His celebrated feuds with the likes of Kevin Steen (later known in WWE as Kevin Owens), Bryan Danielson (later Daniel Bryan), and Nigel McGuinness showcased his technical prowess and potential to rise to global prominence.

2010, WWE recognized that potential and signed Lopez to a developmental contract. He was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), the company’s then-developmental territory, which would soon be rebranded as NXT. Under the WWE banner, he adopted the name Seth Rollins and, in 2012, made history by becoming the first-ever NXT Champion. This achievement confirmed his status as a rising star and laid the foundation for his impending ascent to the main roster.

That ascent materialized at Survivor Series 2012, where Rollins debuted on WWE’s flagship programming as part of a mighty trio, The Shield, alongside Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley). Initially portrayed as renegade enforcers for CM Punk, The Shield quickly emerged as one of WWE’s most dominant factions. Their blend of tactical aggression, cohesive teamwork, and anti-authoritarian charisma captivated audiences. Over the next two years, the group wreaked havoc across WWE, engaging in high-profile feuds and establishing a legacy as one of the most impactful stables in modern wrestling history.

However, in 2014, Rollins shocked the WWE Universe by betraying The Shield, aligning himself with The Authority—a storyline faction led by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. This heel turn launched Rollins into the upper echelon of WWE as a solo performer and marked the beginning of his main-event run.

In 2015, Rollins achieved his most iconic moment at WrestleMania 31, when he executed a surprise “Money in the Bank” cash-in during the main event between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, transforming the title bout into a triple threat. Rollins pinned Reigns to win his first WWE World Heavyweight Championship, cementing his place as a headliner. This moment, often dubbed the “Heist of the Century,” was emblematic of Rollins’ opportunistic and calculating character as “The Architect.”

Over the next decade, Rollins continued to accumulate accolades and deliver standout performances. As of 2025, he is a multiple-time world champion, having held:

The WWE World Heavyweight Championship on two occasions,

The WWE Universal Championship twice, and most notably, becoming the inaugural WWE World Heavyweight Champion under the newly introduced title in 2023.

Beyond the world titles, Rollins has achieved considerable success in WWE’s midcard and tag team divisions. He is a two-time Intercontinental Champion, two-time United States Champion, and a multi-time WWE Tag Team Champion, having partnered with notable names such as Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, Jason Jordan, and Buddy Murphy. 2019, Rollins further solidified his elite status by winning the Royal Rumble and earning a title shot at WrestleMania.

Between 2020 and 2021, Rollins underwent a striking character transformation, portraying the “Monday Night Messiah”—a delusional, cult-like figure who positioned himself as WWE’s moral and spiritual savior. Draped in all-white attire and delivering grandiose sermons to live audiences, this period added a layer of theatricality to his already complex character work. By 2022, Rollins transitioned into an even more flamboyant persona, adopting elaborate designer suits, a maniacal laugh, and grandiose entrances. His new theme music reflected this eccentric evolution from the thunderous “Burn It Down!” to an orchestral choral anthem.

Rollins has been widely praised for carrying the WWE RAW brand in this more recent phase of his career. He often delivers marathon-length, high-caliber matches against a diverse range of opponents. He has established himself as a workhorse and a creative force in WWE’s narrative fabric.

A combination of athleticism, storytelling, and adaptability defines Rollins’ in-ring style. He frequently utilizes high-impact maneuvers such as the Curb Stomp (his primary finishing move), Pedigree (especially during his affiliation with Triple H), Phoenix Splash, Falcon Arrow, and various superkick techniques. His ring monikers—“The Architect,” “The Kingslayer,” “The Visionary,” “The Revolutionary,” and “The Messiah”—each reflect a different chapter in his ongoing evolution as a performer.

Outside the ring, Rollins has also made headlines for his personal life. He married fellow WWE Superstar Rebecca Quin, known professionally as Becky Lynch, in 2021. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Roux, in December 2020. The couple is often called a “power couple” within the wrestling world and is celebrated for their contributions to elevating WWE’s modern era.

In addition to his wrestling career, Rollins is also an actor and entrepreneur. He has appeared in feature films such as Armed Response and has made cameo appearances in television and video game franchises. Moreover, he co-founded the Black & Brave Wrestling Academy in Davenport, Iowa, where he helps train the next generation of professional wrestlers alongside longtime friend Marek Brave.

As of 2025, Seth Rollins is a generational talent, having successfully transitioned through multiple character arcs while maintaining top-tier in-ring performances. His adaptability, commitment to storytelling, and unmatched work ethic have made him a pillar of modern WWE, a performer as adept at captivating an arena of thousands as he is at telling a compelling story inside the squared circle.