One of the most memorable moments from WWE SummerSlam 2025 nearly looked effortless on television, but according to Seth Rollins, the now-iconic crutch drop that shocked fans was actually inspired by another respected name behind the scenes.
Speaking recently on ESPN’s Highlights with Omar, Rollins revealed that while many fans credit him for the dramatic moment, the original idea came from former WWE star and current producer Bobby Roode.
Bobby Roode Came Up With the Viral Spot
Rollins reflected on the unforgettable sequence that took place after CM Punk defeated Gunther to capture the World Championship at SummerSlam 2025.
At the time, Rollins had spent weeks convincing fans and fellow WWE superstars that he was legitimately dealing with a serious knee injury suffered during his match against LA Knight at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
When he appeared at SummerSlam using crutches, many believed he was still injured.
That illusion disappeared instantly when Rollins suddenly tossed the crutches aside and confidently marched toward the ring, setting up one of the biggest moments of the year.
According to Rollins, the famous crutch toss was not originally his idea.
“None of this was rehearsed,” Rollins explained.
“I can’t take all the credit for the crutch tossing. The idea for the crutch drop was actually a Bobby Roode idea, who’s one of the incredible performers in our industry, or was and now is a great producer backstage.”
The Moment Came Together Better Than Expected
Rollins admitted he was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly everything unfolded live.
The dramatic entrance required multiple moving pieces, including the crutches, his jacket, and the Money in the Bank briefcase exchange.
“Honestly, this came off smoother than I expected,” Rollins said.
“The crutch drop, even the jacket, the handoff for the briefcase was smooth.”
The seamless execution helped create a moment that quickly went viral across social media and became one of WWE’s most talked-about highlights of 2025.
A Perfect Setup for a Championship Heist
The crutch drop was only the beginning.
After revealing he was perfectly healthy, Rollins stormed to the ring and cashed in his Money in the Bank contract moments after CM Punk’s hard-fought victory over Gunther.
The surprise cash-in completely changed the outcome of the night, allowing Rollins to leave SummerSlam as World Champion.
The combination of the injury deception, the dramatic reveal, and the successful cash-in created what many fans consider one of the most memorable Money in the Bank cash-ins in recent WWE history.
Bobby Roode Continues to Make an Impact Behind the Scenes
While Bobby Roode is no longer competing regularly inside the ring, Rollins’ comments highlight the important role he continues to play backstage as a WWE producer.
Known throughout his career for his creativity and attention to detail, Roode has become increasingly involved in helping shape matches, segments, and major television moments.
Now, thanks to Rollins’ revelation, fans know that one of SummerSlam 2025’s most iconic visuals may never have happened without Roode’s input.
Read more to discover how a simple idea from a former WWE champion helped create one of the most unforgettable moments of the year.
