From the WWE rumour mill: Possible reason why Rusev was added back to Casket Match against the Undertaker
What's the story?
Post-WrestleMania, a Casket match was announced between the Undertaker and Rusev which was set to take place in Saudi Arabia at the Greatest Royal Rumble event. WWE then announced that Rusev was removed from the match, and Chris Jericho was to take his place against the Phenom.
When this announcement was made, pandemonium broke loose on the internet. Speculation ran rampant about the future of the Bulgarian Brute in WWE. This speculation was further fuelled by Rusev changing his information on Twitter.
All of a sudden, Rusev was added back to the match replacing Chris Jericho on the fixture.
According to Dave Meltzer (H/T WrestlingNews.co), the internet speculation is not true, and the real reason Rusev was added to the match again had more to do with Vince McMahon.
In case you didn't know...
Rusev has steadily gained more popularity in the past few months, where he has become a fan favourite. His comedic heel gimmick with Aiden English has got both of them over with the fans. Rusev's merchandise sold out due to his popularity, and his phrase of 'Rusev Day' became popular among all wrestling fans.
Despite this, WWE have seemingly refused to pull the trigger in a full face turn for him. WWE have displayed their reluctance to get behind fan favourites in the past, with Daniel Bryan being a prominent example.
The heart of the matter
According to Dave Meltzer on Tuesday's episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, the reason WWE changed the match had nothing to do with Internet Speculation.
There had been speculation that Rusev's 'Bury me softly' tweet had not gone down well with upper management, and his interview with TMZ had upset Michelle McCool, the wife of the Undertaker.
According to Meltzer, this was not the case. The reason the match was subjected to multiple alterations is Vince McMahon as he wasn't convinced about the entire booking.
"All it was is they changed their mind again."
He then went on to comment about how WWE had a huge babyface on their hands with Rusev, and that they were wasting him by keeping him heel.
"I guess it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things but Rusev should be a babyface."
While Chris Jericho is no longer in the Casket Match, he is set to be in the 50-Man Royal Rumble Match.
What's next?
The Greatest Royal Rumble event is set to take place on the 27th of April, in Saudi Arabia.
Author's take
Rumours have a crazy way of running wild, once the Internet community gets their hands on them. If Meltzer is to be believed, then there was nothing more behind the decision other than the whims of Vince McMahon.
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