Last week on Raw, Seth Rollins attacked Finn Bálor before their match. Rollins says people might expect him to be in a bad mood, but no one can keep him down. There’s a special reason why he’s in a good mood tonight. Rollins has a secret and asks the fans if they want to hear the good news. It’s official, at Day 1 in Atlanta, Georgia, it’ll be Big E vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship.

The first day of a new year, the first day of a new era, and the first day in his next championship reign. This reign will define the future of Monday nights and this business. Rollins is a visionary and a revolutionary. He is Seth Freakin’ Rollins.

Finn Bálor’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. Bálor attacks Rollins and knocks him out of the ring. Bálor tackles him over the barricade and throws him over the commentary table. Bálor puts Rollins in the ring, but Rollins punches him off the apron. Rollins hits a suicide dive and takes off his jacket. Rollins walks around for a moment, and Bálor wipes him out with a Sling Blade. Bálor drives the steel steps into Rollins’ head and puts him in the ring. Bálor tells the referee to start the match.

Seth Rollins vs. Finn Bálor

Rollins allows the referee to start the match and demands that the bell be rung. Bálor immediately hits a Woo Dropkick and goes to the top rope, but Rollins rolls out of the ring. Bálor wipes him out with a somersault senton.

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see Bálor spike Rollins with a DDT for a two count. Bálor stomps Rollins onto the apron. Rollins snaps him off the top rope and goes for a springboard knee, but Bálor moves. Bálor hits a snap kick and goes to the top rope, but Rollins crotches him up there. Rollins climbs the ropes for a superplex, but Bálor punches him down to the canvas. Rollins quickly scales the ropes and hits a superplex before rolling into a falcon arrow for a near fall.

Rollins pulls himself up to the top rope for a frog splash, but Bálor gets the knees up and cradles him for a near fall. Bálor quickly hits a double leg takedown followed by a double stomp for another two count. Bálor sizes Rollins up for a Sling Blade, but Rollins counters it. Rollins hits a Sling Blade and superkicks him for a near fall. Rollins is furious and punches away at him. Rollins looks psychotic as he goes to the corner and waits for Bálor to stir. Rollins charges, but Bálor hits a Sling Blade followed by a Woo Dropkick. Bálor goes to the top rope for a Coup de Grâce, but Rollins moves. Bálor avoids a stomp and rolls him up for a near fall. They then clunk heads and both go down.

Getting to their feet, they exchange punches. Rollins hits a spinning forearm, so Bálor hits a snap kick. Rollins responds with an enzuigiri. Rollins goes for a Ripcord Knee, but Bálor counters into a falling elbow drop. Bálor goes for Bloody Sunday, but Rollins thumbs him in the eye. Rollins elbows him in the back of the neck and quickly hits the Stomp for the win.

Winner by Pinfall: Seth Rollins