WATCH: Seth Rollins returns to WWE following injury

MANILA, Philippines – Welcome back, Seth Rollins.

Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion Seth Rollins made a surprise return to programming on Sunday, May 22 (Monday Manila time), attacking current champion Roman Reigns after he defeated AJ Styles in the main event of Extreme Rules at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Rollins, who reigned for 220 days as champion before vacating it after legitimately tearing his ACL, MCL and medial meniscus in his right knee during an untelevised match against Kane in November of 2015, was expected to be out for 6-9 months after undergoing surgery. His return was teased after John Cena, who is also expected back in WWE shortly after missing time due to injury, complimented Rollins’ “amazing” recovery on Twitter.

Rollins’ Pedigree to Reigns was a welcomed shocker for fans who may have been underwhelmed by a second straight pay-per-view going off the air to the sight of Reigns holding his title up for the cameras after vanquishing Styles, a fan favorite who portrays a heel counterpart to the “company guy” babyface Reigns.

Though Rollins had garnered much heat during his title run, which began when he cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania 31 and ended when he vacated the day after his injury, he may have a hard time getting the fans to boo him.

Rollins is considered by many to be among the best performers, if not the best, in the world, and has a legitimate claim to the title having not lost it in the ring. As for his plans on Monday Night Raw? Anyone’s guess, but he left a cryptic message on Twitter which belies the significant shot in the arm that WWE programming has just received. 

Miss me?

— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) May 23, 2016

– Rappler.com