WWE's Seth Rollins taunts Johnny Manziel, LeBron James on Monday Night RAW
Cleveland's torturous, 51-year championship drought remains a sore subject in Northeast Ohio, and WWE world heavyweight champion Seth Rollins took delight in taunting the crowd at Monday Night RAW.
Playing to the audience at Quicken Loans Arena, Rollins taunted Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James and Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was in attendance. Criticizing the hometown sports teams is Heeling 101, and few do it as well as Rollins.
"@JManziel2 won't bring you a title ... @KingJames isn't bringing you a title back to Cleveland!" - @WWERollins #RAW pic.twitter.com/EwCrGtKTEk
— WWE (@WWE) June 16, 2015
"This is what a world championship looks like," said Rollins, who retained his title in a ladder match against Dean Ambrose on Sunday - a bout that was about as close as the NBA Finals that James finds himself in. "Well, Johnny Idiot Face over there isn't going to bring you a title. LeBron James ain't bringing a title back to Cleveland. This is the only championship you should be celebrating."
James' Cavaliers are trailing the Golden State Warriors 3-2 in the NBA Finals, despite a herculean effort from the four-time MVP that's seen him use the ball at a nearly unprecedented rate. Game 6 of the Finals tips off at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday.
If the Cavaliers end up losing Game 6 at home, Rollins' comments may continue to resonate with a perpetually wounded crowd. And no, Cleveland natives The Miz and Dolph Ziggler didn't come out to verbally spar with Rollins, nor did recently turned Cavs fan and 16-time world champion Ric Flair.
Seth Rollins on Johnny Manziel at #RAWCleveland: "Johnny Idiot Face over there is never going to bring you a title!" pic.twitter.com/Jr7MY41bYv
— 120 Sports (@120Sports) June 16, 2015
Rollins' derisive nickname towards Manziel may be more accurate than his NBA Finals prediction, with the quarterback struggling immensely throughout his first season. However, Manziel entered a rehab stint for an undisclosed issue and is actively reshaping his image from the trouble-seeking "Johnny Football" mantra he actively promoted prior to leaving Texas A&M.
A big fan of The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in his younger years, Manziel seemed excited about the opportunity to get an up-close look at the action inside the squared circle.