Add Rusev to the long list of wrestlers expressing frustrating with their position in WWE.
Rusev and Lana were Lilian Garcia’s guests on the latest episode of the Chasing Glory podcast. During the interview, the married couple spoke at length about the steps he’s taken to improve himself and stand out to Vince McMahon. He’s lost over 50 pounds, he’s changed his look but “nothing changes.”
Rusev recently lost the United States Championship to Shinsuke Nakamura during the Royal Rumble kickoff show. Nakamura’s reign was short-lived and he dropped the belt to comedy wrestler R-Truth last week on SmackDown last week. Rusev takes pride in the United States Championship, since it’s the first title he held in WWE.
“It hurts me because nobody cares about it,” said Rusev. “It feels like I’m the only one that cares about the title. I wanted to make it bigger. I wanted to make it what it was back when I wrestled John Cena for it. But it seems like every time somebody else has it, nothing happens. Now that I’ve lost it, the title is probably going to get lost again. And I’m going to get lost probably too.”
Rusev said he tries to stay optimistic and envisions himself competing at WrestleMania. Unfortunately, it’s growing more difficult to keep a positive attitude.
“We became so strong and we’re featured but the more you hang around, the more you’re forgotten,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how good you are. I think I’m good. It doesn’t matter what I do. It kind of ends up the same thing.”
Lana chimed in and offered up some encouragement. “We’re not going to be forgotten,” she said. “We’re going to fight for our careers. We’re going to knock on Vince McMahon’s door and fight for it. If you do not fight for your career, you will be lost. We’re going to do everything possible. If it’s not meant to be, we’re going to look back and say, ‘We did everything possible.’ And if that was the way the journey was supposed to go, then that’s the way it was supposed to go.”
In an effort to improve his standing with Vince McMahon, Rusev decided to get into better shape. He began training cross fit and has lost over 50 pounds. He cut his hair short, changed up his look and is in the best shape of his career. He’s still not getting the results he’s after.
“I would be pissed if I was him,” Lana said.
Rusev added, “I do all these things but nothing changes. I’m trying to catch Vince’s eye. We pitch, we talk and it never comes to anything,” said Rusev.
Listen to Rusev and Lana on Lilian Garcia’s Chasing Glory Podcast:
Listen to “Lana & Rusev – Dealing with Frustrations & Past Traumas” on Spreaker.
