WWE News: Lana takes a shot at WWE and top Superstars, demands Rusev gets his chance
What's the story?
After three weeks of the WWE Universe chanting his name and buying merchandise with no Bulgarian Brute on SmackDown Live, Rusev finally made his return to television this week.
The former United States Champion, however, was merely playing valet for Aiden English in his match against Shinsuke Nakamura. Rusev's wife Lana has taken to social media to express her displeasure at the SmackDown star's current lack of opportunity - even taking shots at some top Superstars in the process.
In case you didn't know...
Rusev arrived on the main roster as a massive heel, going on a long undefeated streak. He even faced John Cena at WrestleMania in the culmination of a lengthy feud where Rusev made a grand entrance in an army tank.
A shaky spell of feuding with Dolph Ziggler was cut short when it was revealed Rusev was engaged to Lana. This was followed by a spell as Jinder Mahal's partner before the Modern-Day Maharaja climbed up the card. This seemed to spell the end of Rusev's hot streak.
However, the unlikely pairing with English seems to have propelled Rusev to greater heights than ever with the WWE Universe, even if his in-ring opportunities don't quite match up.
The heart of the matter
Well, Rusev Day merch is selling like hotcakes and the fans are chanting for Rusev even when he's nowhere to be seen, but it isn't translating into chances for the Bulgarian Brute.
Both Rusev and Lana have been expressing their displeasure at their use on SmackDown or lack thereof recently on Twitter, but Lana has taken to social media tonight with a very blatant and controversial statement around her husband's place in WWE.
What's next?
Well, SmackDown Live returns on Tuesday. Will Rusev get a singles match this week?
Or will WWE go one better and give the Bulgarian Brute a chance to enter the Fastlane main event?
We'll find out next week.
Author's take
Well, I love that Rusev Day got themselves over against all odds, but I can't help but think it might be to their detriment.
The recent rumours as to why Tye Dillinger has been left off TV potentially have me worried that Rusev is experiencing a similar fate, and that maybe the "Rusev Day" chants during non-Rusev segments (which are all of them at this point) may be annoying the powers that be.
I hope I'm wrong, and I really hope WWE decided to utilise Rusev as a major talent soon. He really could be a top babyface if WWE were to turn him and push him in the main event picture!