At this time, Rusev is nagging his shoulder injury that kept him out of action at the time of Wrestlemania 33. It can be said that he is patiently gearing up for a blockbuster return that will take him straight to the main event picture.
He was a sole part of Monday Night Raw from last year’s brand split. Due to heavier names on the brand and around the championship, he was never pitted on the main event picture.
However, the situation will be a completely different with him being shifted to Smackdown Live during the Superstar Shakeup.
According to the reports from 434.com, the creative will make Rusev a monster heel upon return. Hence, it will only be a matter of time for him to get into the WWE championship picture, for the very first time.
The beginning of the storyline was Rusev’s appearance on this past week’s Smackdown Live when he demanded a championship opportunity. He clarified that he wants this one to happen at the Money in the Bank PPV since he will be back by then. Lastly, he threatened that he will not perform on Smackdown and go back to his native country, Bulgaria if the opportunity is not given.
Apparently, he will get the title shot which is longtime coming for him with this one storyline, one way or the other. Randy Orton is supposed to retain his championship at Payback since Bray Wyatt has already been moved to Raw.
Randy’s next opponent at Backlash would be Jinder Mahal. Although Mahal is getting a big push, he is still not being considered as the championship material. Hence, there’s no chance of Orton dropping the title there, as well.
I’m just tired…… After all I’ve done I have NEVER had a championship match. I was undefeated for a year! Now it’s My way or the highway
— Rusev (@RusevBUL) April 26, 2017
Really !?!? A question pool ! You are pathetic @shanemcmahon and @WWEDanielBryan but remember this time is my way or the highway https://t.co/WLOJgRRp6u
— Rusev (@RusevBUL) April 26, 2017
Can’t wait to go back home to Bulgaria if my REQUEST for championship match is not met. @wwe
— Rusev (@RusevBUL) April 27, 2017
This takes us to the next PPV of WWE Money in the Bank where Randy will defend the title against Rusev. This would be another interesting and fresh feud on the blue brand. Plus, the company would get to know whether Rusev is worthy of featuring on the main event scene or not.
In this new stint, The Bulgarian Brute will perform sans his wife, Lana who will also be on her own in the women’s locker room. Both of these Total Divas stars are said to get a major push upon their return despite the heat that they received prior to Wrestlemania.