Seth Rollins is expected to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor at SummerSlam.
Our own Dave Meltzer noted on yesterday's Wrestling Observer Radio that Balor pinning Carmelo Hayes on NXT this week was done to build him up for a rematch with Rollins.
"Finn's being protected right now. Finn's beating everyone because they've gotta get Finn back ready for Seth," Meltzer said.
"The plan was that Finn's going over constantly because they gotta rehab him for Seth because that's at SummerSlam."
Balor and Rollins also met at SummerSlam 2016 in a match for the inaugural Universal Championship. Although Balor won the title that night, he suffered a labrum tear and was forced to vacate the belt, something both wrestlers have referenced throughout their most recent rivalry.
Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor head-to-head:
Click Here: Germany National Team soccer tracksuitSummerSlam 2016: Balor defeated Rollins to win the inaugural Universal Championship (****)Raw – January 15, 2018: Rollins defeats BalorRaw – March 12, 2018: Balor defeats RollinsRaw – April 2, 2018: Rollins defeats Balor (****1/4)Raw – April 30, 2018: Rollins defeats Balor to retain the Intercontinental Championship (****1/4)Raw – November 29, 2021: Rollins defeats BalorRaw – November 14, 2022: Rollins defeats Balor to retain the United States Championship (***1/4)Raw – May 8, 2023: Rollins defeats Balor in the World Heavyweight title tournament semifinalsMoney in the Bank 2023: Rollins defeated Balor to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (***1/2)
Rollins also leads their head-to-head series on house shows 5-1.
WWE SummerSlam takes place August 5, 2023, from Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Nine matches are currently planned for the event:
WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jey UsoCody Rhodes vs. Brock LesnarTrish Stratus vs. Becky LynchWWE Women's Champion Asuka defends against Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair in a triple threatIntercontinental Champion Gunther defends against Drew McIntyreRonda Rousey vs. Shayna BaszlerLogan Paul vs. RicochetWomen's World Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Raquel RodriguezWorld Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defends against Finn Balor