As one of WWE’s most dominant multi-time champions, Seth Rollins is no stranger to high-profile matchups, and this year, he heads into a Triple Threat battle at WrestleMania against longtime rivals Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Alongside his incredible in-ring talent, Rollins’ tattoos have become a signature part of his persona, with some pieces holding deep personal meaning.
The Iconic Japanese Characters
One of Rollins’ most recognizable tattoos is a series of Japanese characters that run down his spine. This piece stands out as a representation of the personal journey Rollins has gone through both inside and outside the ring. In a candid moment, Rollins discussed the significance of his tattoos, explaining how they reflect his growth and the challenges he’s faced.
A Tribute to His Roots
Seth Rollins’ tattoo collection includes several meaningful pieces, starting with a “forever on a burning page” design on his wrists. This tattoo, which he got at 19, was a tribute to his formative years and his time growing up. As Rollins opened up in an episode of Superstar Ink, he recalled his early days in wrestling under the stage name Gixx in Iowa and his participation in smaller promotions such as IWA, NWA Midwest, and Ring of Honor before joining WWE in 2012.
In his younger years, Rollins was deeply influenced by the Straight Edge lifestyle, a hardcore punk subculture that encourages abstinence from drugs, alcohol, and sometimes meat. It was during this time that Rollins immersed himself in punk rock and nu-metal music, drawing inspiration from bands like Korn, Linkin Park, Slipknot, and Limp Bizkit. His first tattoo, “forever on a burning page,” was a nod to this period, marking his journey through challenging times, when he felt both isolated and driven.
“I used to be that kid who didn’t have anyone to talk to, just riding around in cars with my friends, figuring things out,” Rollins reflected. “It was a lonely path to where I am now.”
The Bushido Code: A Tribute to the Samurai
On his back, Rollins carries a tattoo that represents his admiration for the Samurai warrior ethos, specifically the Bushido code—the moral code that guided the Samurai in their lives and battles. Inspired by the 2003 film The Last Samurai, in which Tom Cruise portrays a soldier who learns the values of Bushido, Rollins chose to tattoo the seven core principles of the code along his spine. These principles include integrity, respect, courage, honor, compassion, honesty, and loyalty.
Rollins shared that the film’s portrayal of Cruise’s character struggling to find peace resonated deeply with him. He explained that the Samurai code provided clarity for the character, and he found the same sense of direction in adopting these values. “The dude was trying to figure himself out… he found peace in the Samurai,” Rollins said. “I thought it was a very cool message… It’s not like you’re going to be perfect every day, but it’s a simple way to live your life.”
Though Rollins admitted that he may not always live up to the warrior lifestyle, he emphasized the importance of continually striving to improve. “I’m not perfect 24/7, but I try to be better every day, and that’s what I work towards.”
A Symbol of Discipline and Growth
Seth Rollins’ tattoos are more than just body art—they are a reflection of his evolution as a person and a professional. From his rebellious youth to his disciplined wrestling career, these pieces of ink tell a story of personal growth, resilience, and the quest for self-improvement. Whether it’s his tribute to the punk scene or his homage to the Samurai code, Rollins’ tattoos serve as permanent reminders of the values that have shaped his life both inside and outside the squared circle.
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