From the WWE Rumor Mill: Huge plans in the works for Rusev
What’s the story?
According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (via Ringside News), WWE might be planning a huge push and a face turn for Rusev. The report suggests that the United States Championship Tournament is an attempt to jumpstart this rumoured push.
In case you did not know…
WWE kick-started the United States Championship tournament a couple of weeks back after Dolph Ziggler relinquished the title. The Showoff had won the championship after winning a triple threat match that featured Baron Corbin and Bobby Roode at Clash of Champions.
Much to the surprise of everyone, Ziggler vacated the title soon after and forced WWE to hold a tournament to determine the new champion.
As for Rusev, he has been a popular figure among the fans lately and his Happy Rusev Day shirt has become the top seller in WWE shop.
Heart of the matter
Dave Meltzer noted that WWE could be planning a face turn for the Bulgarian Brute. As per the report, WWE decided on having the US title tournament to catapult Rusev to the top. In addition to this, even though Rusev is not in the tournament, he could end up winning the title and turning babyface.
There are also rumors about Rusev and Aiden English working on a program after Rusev captures the gold.
What’s next?
The United States championship tournament will continue in the upcoming episodes of SmackDown Live. The final is scheduled to take place at the Royal Rumble on January 28th.
Currently, Rusev is not part of the tournament, however, his aide, Aiden English is still in the mix. Bobby Roode, Jinder Mahal, Zack Ryder, Mojo Rawley and Xavier Woods are the other superstars involved in the tournament.
Author’s take
If the United States title tournament was designed to put Rusev over, the fact that he is not in it raises questions. But then again, the presence of Aiden English will be crucial. WWE could replace English with Rusev and once Rusev wins the gold, they could set up the English – Rusev feud as the rumours suggest.
No matter how things play out, its high time that WWE cash in on Rusev. He is one of the most over superstars on the roster right now and the abovementioned merchandise sales back this up.