Seth Rollins opened up about one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of his career — and it had nothing to do with wrestling. Speaking with 25 Whistles with Bobby Bones at Super Bowl 60 Radio Row in San Francisco, Rollins detailed his role commentating Netflix's live skyscraper climb special featuring climber Alex Donald.
Rollins didn't sugarcoat the stakes of calling the event in real-time.
The dude, if he slips, he's dead. It's over. He's done. And that's a man dying on live television.
Why WWE Tapped Rollins for the Job
The decision to place a WWE Superstar behind the commentary desk for an extreme sports broadcast wasn't random. Rollins explained that his years of live, unscripted television gave him the exact skill set the production needed.
My forte is live conversation, live promos, live storytelling, and anything can happen on a WWE broadcast.
Rollins said meeting Alex Donald and his family before the event gave him a deep appreciation for what was at stake, describing the experience as "being in that space with greatness."
No Rehearsal, No Playbook
Unlike a WWE broadcast where talent can prepare for at least some planned spots, this event offered zero predictability. Rain prevented full practice runs, and Donald only climbed sections of the building while strapped into safety equipment during preparation. There was no way to simulate the actual climb.
You just don't know how long it's going to take. You don't know where he's going to be when.
The Emergency Plan If Tragedy Struck
Perhaps the most chilling detail Rollins revealed was the contingency plan. The broadcast operated on a 15-second delay — the only safety net between the audience and potential disaster. There was no emergency parachute or rescue equipment. Host L. Duncan had a prepared statement ready to read if the worst happened.
If something went wrong, they would be able to cut the feed, or they were just going to go off air and we wouldn't talk about it.
Despite the lack of a backup plan, Rollins said the team had high confidence in Donald's ability to complete the climb successfully.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Broadcast
Rollins — who has remained in the headlines amid speculation about his WWE return — said the skyscraper climb reminded him why he loves live television.
When you put somebody's life at stake in that scenario, it adds a different element to it.
During the same Radio Row appearance, Rollins also discussed his complicated feelings about WWE: Unreal on Netflix, calling the documentary series something that makes him "feel dirty" despite understanding its appeal to fans.
