Rusev has divulged Vince McMahon’s reasoning behind shortening his original ring name.

Initially named Alexander Rusev, the Superstar would find his name halved after a conversation with Vince McMahon.

In a conversation with At Cafe, Rusev explained that WWE has an option to submit names that you might want to use. He would eventually submit Alexander Rusev for consideration, with Rusev being an homage to a friend’s surname.

“[WWE] gives you an option to submit names you like,” Rusev explained. “And I was thinking about it. Then to make a joke with my friend Vasil, Vasil Rusev, who I used to share a rowing boat with, I chose Rusev. And I was Alexander Rusev with Alexander later being dropped. I liked Alexander because it sounded [mighty] and Bulgarian. But then it got dropped because Vince Mcmahon said ‘Ugh, Alexander, they’ll start calling you Alex as a nickname, and you have to be a Russian/Bulgarian villain. We’re dropping it’.”

Rusev Udrya, Rusev Machka

In defining the character and catchphrase of the “Bulgarian Brute”, Rusev turned to cinematic inspiration. Namely, Rocky IV.

“I made [the catchphrase ‘Rusev udrya, Rusev machka’] myself. Our character, mine and Lana’s, that we present in the ring was very [inspired] by Rocky IV, we took a lot from there. And I remember a scene where Rocky’s trainer says that whatever Drago hits, he destroys. And I was thinking how something similar can work for me. And one day we had to record it in studio, and that’s when ‘Rusev udrya, Rusev machka’ was born.”

Rusev isn’t the first Superstar to lose a name. Cesaro, Ali, Apollo, Andrade, and Elias are just a few others to have had their first name culled.

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Former WWE United States Champion Rusev has an important decision to make shortly as his contract is reportedly expiring relatively soon. Dave Meltzer reported the news on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

As of this writing, there’s no word yet on if Rusev is interested in leaving WWE. The fact that he hasn’t signed a new contract with the company yet shouldn’t come as a shock to many fans as it’s been reported that he is unhappy with his position in WWE. This comes after some of his comments in media interviews and on social media.

Meltzer would later speculate that Rusev’s recent hiatus could be due to him being unhappy as it’s been reported that several stars are not happy right now in the company and waiting for their deals to expire in order to leave. 

With him currently away from WWE as he recently requested some time off, Meltzer speculated that WWE could extend the length of the contract because of the days that he’s missed. WWE has done this in the past when a wrestler is a talent is out of action with an injury.

Rusev recently worked the 50-Man Battle Royal at the WWE Super ShowDown pay-per-view event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium earlier this month. He’s also only appeared on a handful of live events since WrestleMania 35.

This past Sunday at WWE’s Money In The Bank event, Charlotte Flair faced off against long-time rival, Becky Lynch.

Flair would eventually emerge victorious, claiming the SmackDown Women’s championship. It would be a short lived reign.

Shortly after, Bayley would cash in her newly won Money In The Bank briefcase, pinning Flair and becoming the new SmackDown Women’s Champion.

Not everyone was thrilled for Flair increasing her championship stats, however.

Taking to Twitter, SmackDown Live Superstar, Rusev, tweeted out:

“Wow when it’s all said and done @MsCharlotteWWE will be 35 time world champ!!! The greatest superstar in the history of superstars. Teach me”

Now, Charlotte has responded.

Three Simple Steps

Firing back on her own Twitter account, Charlotte responded to Rusev’s passive aggressive message with “First, win one, then I’ll show you what I can”.

Rusev, rising to the bait, responded with a one-word reply: “How” accompanied with an emoji of a man shrugging.

The Queen’s response included a strategic breakdown in an effort to help Rusev achieve similar championship glory.

According to her, Rusev should first change his name. The second step is demonstrated with the woman emoji shrugging. Finally, the final step in her easy three-step plan simply stated “Championships”.

It’s becoming increasingly apparent that a high majority of WWE’s roster on both RAW and SmackDown are unhappy and disgruntled with their position and the current WWE product. Even Triple H has allegedly been frustrated with the promotion’s booking.

According to Rusev, as many as 99.9% of the current roster feel overlooked.

Speaking with Express UK, both Rusev and Lana spoke about their current place within the company. Lana highlighted that she believes Rusev is well deserving of more championship opportunities, saying “Rusev should get more title opportunities. He should be champion, that’s just the bottom line. He’s been there six years and he’s had one title opportunity, I had three. I’m not the Super Athlete, my first Singles Match was for the title.

She claimed that there is “no question” if Rusev should be champion. “That’s just a given, it’s true, we all know that he’s the best and #1.”

“The Most Hyed Thing Doesn’t Make You A Champion”

Rusev would then make his bold claim, stating that practically the entirety of the locker room feels ignored and overlooked.

“It’s not just us, 99.9 per cent of the roster feels overlooked because we’re all so good and we’re all so passionate,” he said. “Everybody wants to be a champion and everybody can be a champion because we’re that good.”

“It’s just that there’s only so many titles,” he explained. “You gotta find what sticks out, you gotta be different. It doesn’t matter if [we hear] Rusev Day or Lana Day chants or whatever it is, the most hyped thing doesn’t make you a champion.”

He said that there are “so many moving parts to become a champion,” admitting that “it’s beyond my head” before adding, “”Only Vince McMahon knows these things.”

Lana has been attempting to make a name for herself with a series of YouTube videos demonstrating how “salty” she is about being ignored and not being booked for shows.

Last year, Rusev replaced Chris Jericho in a Casket match against The Undertaker. The bout took place at WWE “Greatest Royal Rumble” last year in April. Rusev was accompanied by Aiden English, but it wasn’t enough to get the job done, as “The Deadman” left Saudi Arabia with the victory.

After the match, Undertaker had some kind words for Rusev. The future Hall Of Famer apparently told “The Bulgarian Brute” he’s “really good.” Rusev broke down what it was like working with Taker and his post-match comments during a recent interview with Express UK:

“It was fine, it was fun working with him. It’s not like I have a checklist, but I got to work with him and Hunter and Hogan and few people who I watched growing up and always been a big fan of obviously all of them. And Taker is such a special character and he’s been here for like 30 years or whatnot.

“He’s a legend, he’s an icon so getting to work with him and talk to him afterwards and pick his brains it was a great opportunity for me. He told me that I’m really good. I’m not even messing around, he told me I’m really good.”

Undertaker’s Return

Since his match with Rusev, Undertaker has been working sporadically for WWE. He didn’t compete at WrestleMania 35, nor did he make an appearance. However, he did compete at the Saudi Arabia show in November, “Crown Jewel,” teaming up with Kane in a losing effort to D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels).

Now, he’ll be facing Goldberg, in a dream match for many professional wrestling fans, in WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia for “Super ShowDown” on June 7 from Jeddah’s King Abdullah International Stadium.

What do you think about The Undertaker’s comments to Rusev after their match?

Rusev Day is no more, according to the Bulgarian Brute himself.

WWE fan Steven Garcia posted a photo on Twitter of a “Happy Rusev Day” sign that he was bringing to Sunday night’s WWE live event from Hershey, PA. He tagged Rusev and Lana in the tweet and gushed about how they are among his favorite acts in WWE.

The usually-jovial Rusev replied with a message that is a sure-fire candidate for The Solomonster’s ‘sad tweet of the week.’ Rusev wrote, “My friend RusevDay has been dead for a while. It’s time to move on…..”

• Rusev Ties Record For Longest WWE PPV Losing Streak

Rusev is not currently scheduled to compete at WrestleMania 35 this Sunday, despite the show featuring upwards of 17 matches, including a 30-man battle royal.

Rusev & Lana’s Status With WWE

Rusev and Lana have vented about their frustrations with WWE over the past few months. During an appearance on Lilian Garcia’s Chasing Glory podcast back in February, Lana revealed Rusev dropped 50 pounds and changed up his look in hopes of getting winning the favor of Vince McMahon. Nothing really changed about the way Rusev is booked. “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.”

• Rusev & Lana Removed From Total Divas, Lana Upset With How They Were Portrayed

Lana and Rusev took part in a recent episode of Drop The Mic that aired Wednesday night on TNT where they battled billionaire, Mark Cuban.

Cuban, who is known for appearing on Shark Tank that is a widely popular show that airs on ABC as well as being the owner of the NBA team Dallas Mavericks, is a big wrestling fan. He’s appeared on WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, a few times in the past. His first appearance taking place in 2003 with a segment involving Eric Bischoff, who was the General Manager at the time.

Cuban then appeared on the show again in 2009 where he was a special guest referee in a match between Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton during their feud. He also appeared in a segment with John Cena and Sheamus, that saw him get physical with the “Celtic Warrior.” It led to the former WWE Champion putting Cuban through a table. 

Lana took to her official Twitter account to talk about the appearance on the television show, which you can see here:

You can watch the segment with the married couple and Cuban here, which is pretty entertaining:

An interesting stat about former WWE United States Champion Rusev has surfaced online as he has tied a WWE record but not one that he set out to accomplish.

This comes after he teamed up with Shinsuke Nakamura in a tag team match against Xavier Woods and Big E. This was a late addition to Sunday’s WWE Fastlane Kickoff Show from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio that saw the heels lose.

As a result, Rusev has now tied a WWE record, which was brought to light by ESPN. The SmackDown star has tied the record for the longest pay-per-view losing streak in WWE history. He has 17 straight PPV matches. That ties him with the Great Khali.

Rusev’s most r3ecent win on pay-per-view came back at Roadblock: End of the Road (2016) when he defeated Big Cass via count-out.

With WrestleMania 35 just a few weeks away from taking place, it will be interesting to see where WWE books him on the card for the biggest event of the year.

Ronda Rousey recently set the pro wrestling world abuzz with her damning words towards the WWE Universe. Uploading a video to her YouTube channel, the “Rowdy” one would live up to her name, ripping into fans, the WWE, and other members of the WWE roster. She would commit what many fans and those in the industry consider a cardinal sin by referring to pro wrestling as fake.

“Wrestling is scripted,” she stated, emphatically. “It’s made up, it’s not real. None of those b****** can f****** touch me. The end.”

Her words have clearly affected a number of WWE Superstars, as members of the roster took to their social media accounts in order to address Ronda’s comments.

“You Were Untouchable. Now? Not So Much”

Charlotte Flair, Ronda Rousey’s scheduled opponent at WrestleMania 35, chimed in with her rebuttal via Twitter, writing:

“Can someone please remind Captain Badass here that her last two fights before coming to WWE ended with her unconscious and sobbing in the cage?

Four years ago, you were untouchable. Now? Not so much.

You’re a class act, @RondaRousey”

Can someone please remind Captain Badass here that her last two fights before coming to WWE ended with her unconscious and sobbing in the cage?

Four years ago, you were untouchable. Now? Not so much.

You’re a class act, @RondaRousey
? https://t.co/QBksunFE2X

— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) March 8, 2019

The two are currently slated to clash come April 7th. Before that, however, Charlotte Flair will be competing against Becky Lynch at Fastlane. Stephanie McMahon recently added the stipulation that if Lynch emerges victorious tomorrow night, she will be added to the championship match at ‘Mania, making it a triple threat affair.

She wasn’t the only one to take issue with Rousey, however. Both Liv Morgan and Rusev also expressed their thoughts on the video.

Morgan would reflect that “my body is sore all the time … that’s not fake. That’s real.”

Lol my body is sore all the time … that’s not fake. That’s real. https://t.co/xDMrhU2KIK

— LIV Morgan (@YaOnlyLivvOnce) March 8, 2019

Rusev’s tweet would be a little more confrontational, saying:

“Ronda’s new character is not real. She is playing a badass but we all know she ain’t in REAL LIFE”

Ronda’s new character is not real. She is playing a badass but we all know she ain’t in REAL LIFE

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) March 8, 2019

Ronda’s words have clearly disgruntled a number of people in the industry, but the question remains: just how much of a shoot is it? It will be interesting to see if there is any sort of ramification for her vocal, and public, breaking of kayfabe.

Rusev & Lana have launched a new YouTube channel together, not long after having been removed from the cast of Total Divas. The channel was actually created in 2012 to serve as a home for Lana’s acting reels. The couple has since re-branded and released new videos on the channel in the last couple of days, however.

“Technically, I’ve had this page since, like, 1992 (actually 2012),” Lana said. “So, I’ve had this page awhile just never used it so you’re going to see maybe some videos on there that maybe have been a long time ago. This is the official launch of Miroslav and CJ Barnyashev’s YouTube together.”

Lana would go on to say the couple plan to have “a lot of different series” on the page. She then seemed concerned Rusev didn’t seem interested enough.

Rusev claims to have a Superhero series he plans to debut on YouTube. He said HBO is interested and YouTube might not be ready for his superhero just yet, however.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7d1XSmWChc&t=24s

• Rusev and Lana Removed From Total Divas Cast

Rusev and Lana on WWE Smackdown

Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev have recently been aligned on Smackdown. 2 weeks ago, they teamed up and defeated Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows. Earlier this year, Rusev lost the US title to R-Truth on the Royal Rumble Kickoff show, a title he had just taken from Nakamura.

Lana hasn’t wrestled on television yet in 2019. She was on the WWE live events tour in January, however, teaming with Naomi in matches against Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose.

With the news breaking that “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey might be joining the cast of ‘Total Divas,’ it was bound to garner a reaction. Considering that Lana and Rusev have been axed from the show for being “strongly disliked by the demographic,” you’ve suddenly got yourself the start of a potentially personal feud — despite the fact it’s actually Sonya Deville who is replacing Lana’s spot on the show.

Taking chagrin with the shakeup to the ‘Total Divas’ casting lineup, Lana took to her social media. Responding to Ronda’s Elimination Chamber challenger, Ruby Riott, Lana would proceed to call Rowsey “overrated,” stating that she “can’t bring ratings.”

Ruby Riott was initially responding to a Tweet by Rousey, where she would say:

“Who cares about what’s best for business or what these people want?! You’re so focused on giving the #WomensEvolution what they deserve, that you’re not even looking at #EliminationChamber. So I’ll gladly take your title & main event #Wrestlemania whether they like it or not.”

Who cares about what’s best for business or what these people want?! You’re so focused on giving the #WomensEvolution what they deserve, that you’re not even looking at #EliminationChamber. So I’ll gladly take your title & main event #Wrestlemania whether they like it or not. https://t.co/aLZSBJWtey

— Ruby Soho (@realrubysoho) February 13, 2019

It would at this point that Lana would insert herself into the conversation:

“I would be thrilled if you took her place ! So overrated she is ! I mean she claims to change the game yet she can’t bring ratings …. soooo ummm”

I would be thrilled if you took her place ! So overrated she is ! ? I mean she claims to change the game yet she can’t bring ratings …. soooo ummm ?

— CJ Perry (@TheCJPerry) February 14, 2019

Given that Lana isn’t even on the same brand as Raw’s Ronda Rousey, it would appear unlikely she is harnessing Twitter to foreshadow a feud in the way that talent has done for, say, a Four Horsewomen confrontation.

What do you think? Is this just bitterness on Lana’s part? Does she have a point?

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.

We noted before how Hideo Itami was reported to be leaving WWE, and while the company didn’t release an official statement on the same, it became clear that this was not a work when a number of WWE superstars showed their respect to Itami on Twitter.

However, this is not the case with Dean Ambrose. While he is said to be leaving the company after WrestleMania and WWE has confirmed the same as well, there are people within the company who believe that the whole thing is a work.

Due to the confusion, the roster members had so far been quiet about the situation with the Lunatic Fringe opposed to the case of Hideo. Though now Rusev has broken this silence by thanking both the Japanese Star and Ambrose with the following Tweet:

Thank you Kenta and thank you Dean.

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) January 30, 2019

As we noted before, Dean Ambrose’s current contract with WWE expires in April after WrestleMania. He is said to be frustrated with the way his on-screen character has been presented and so he is planning to leave.

The company had offered him a new seven-figure, five years deal to re-sign but he gave his notice to the Officials on Monday before Raw and made it clear that he is not interested in negotiating further.

This Sunday, current WWE United States Champion, Rusev, will defend against Shinsuke Nakamura. Their match takes place during the Royal Rumble Kickoff Show, which begins at 5E/2P.

The three-time US Champion took the time for an interview recently with Planeta Wrestling. During their conversation, Rusev divulged that the popular ‘Rusev Day’ concept was only meant to be a one and done thing.

“It [Rusev Day] was supposed to be a one-off, just a celebration after I beat Randy Orton and that was it,” he admitted. “A few weeks after I was going “Rusev Day, Rusev Day” and people really started digging it. Even in the backstage, with the New Day and with Aiden singing “Rusev Day” helped. People just got it and loved the whole concept and it became really big.”

“I went from being the most hated or one of the most hated to now being praised. I loved being both.”

Rusev then talked about wanting to elevate the importance and prestige of the United State championship. He admits, however, that no matter the title, he would feel the same way.

That’s why “[…] every time I step foot in that ring I wanna have a great match to prove that this title belongs right there with all the rest.”

“There’s No Gimmick. It’s Just Me.”

In another interview, with sportskeeda.com, Rusev extrapolated on the importance of Rusev Day in relation to his WWE character. He claims that “It’s never been about [portraying] a good guy or a bad guy. I’ve always been me. And that’s what people don’t understand. Just because I supported Russia before because that was my belief or understanding, that doesn’t mean I was a bad guy.”

“I was just outspoken about what I believe in. And now, instead of Russia, I believe in Rusev Day. And being the best United States Champion I can be. That’s what I believe in. There’s no character. There’s no gimmick. It’s just me.”

Rusev will take on last year’s Royal Rumble winner, Shinsuke Nakamura this Sunday, 27th January.

H/T to WrestlingINC for the transcription. 

WWE Stars Get Married

Killian Dain and Nikki Cross are now married. The former SAnitY partners announced the news in recent messages that were posted on their official Twitter accounts. Although there were some rumors going around that they just got engaged, WWE.com is reporting that they are married as they congratulated the couple.

Dan wrote, “Only took us 10 and a half years but when it’s right, its right. I love you @NikkiCrossWWE. ”

https://twitter.com/KillianDain/status/1086010554563682305

Cross also tweeted on the marriage, which you can see here:

https://twitter.com/NikkiCrossWWE/status/1086010990691524611

Rusev Reacts To His Royal Rumble Match

Earlier this week on an episode of SmackDown Live, WWE announced that WWE United States Champion Rusev would make his next title defense against former champion Shinsuke Nakamura at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view event takes place on Sunday, January 27, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona at Chase Field. Rusev won the title from Nakamura on the Christmas night episode of SmackDown Live.

Rusev took to his official Twitter account to react to the news when he wrote, “Let me check my schedule….. oh It’s falls on #RusevDay ! Get ready Phoenix we gonna celebrate together.”

Let me check my schedule….. oh It’s falls on #RusevDay ! Get ready Phoenix we gonna celebrate together pic.twitter.com/hdlJ4ucirE

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) January 16, 2019

Add WWE United States Champion Rusev to the list of people competing in the “10-Year Challenge.” For some reason, the challenge has taken social media by storm. People post a photograph of themselves from 10 years ago, side-by-side with one of them during present day. Rusev shared some photos of himself from his early days in WWE. “The Bulgarian Brute” had a little bit more mass on him back then.

However, today he has trimmed down a bit, looking leaner. Rusev captioned the post with “Guess the the years ! #bodytransformation #rusevday”. Check out Rusev’s 10-Year Challenge here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BstfyWjHlme/?utm_source=ig_embed

Currently, Rusev is slated to defend his championship against Shinsuke Nakamura. The match will happen at the Royal Rumble from the Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on January 27, 2019. Check out the current card for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) here below:

• WWE Universal Championship: (C) Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor
• WWE Championship: (C) Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles
• 30-Man Royal Rumble Match: R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Mustafa Ali, John Cena, Andrade “Cien” Almas, Apollo Crews, Elias, Baron Corbin, Jinder Mahal, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods, Jeff Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Kalisto, TBA
• 30-Woman Royal Rumble Match: Carmella, Naomi, Zelina Vega, Natalya, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Ember Moon, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Alicia Fox, Mickie James, TBA
• WWE RAW Women’s Championship: (C) Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks
• WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship: (C) Asuka vs. Becky Lynch
• WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship: (C) The Bar vs. Shane McMahon & The Miz
• Fatal Four-Way Match For The WWE Cruiserweight Championship: (C) Buddy Murphy vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami
• WWE United States Championship: (C) Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

What do you think of Rusev’s transformation over the years?

We’ve recently noted that this week’s episodes of Monday Night RAW and SmackDown Live were pre-taped. The episodes were filmed last week in order for WWE stars to enjoy this week’s holidays with their families at home. Yesterday’s episode of SmackDown Live ended with a title change. Rusev defeated Shinsuke Nakamura for the United States Championship in the main event of the night.

With the victory, “The Bulgarian Brute” is now a three-time WWE United States Champion. Recently, WWE posted a YouTube video showing some extra footage from Rusev’s victory celebration after SDL went off-air. Rusev celebrated with fans at ringside before looking into the WWE’s camera. He then said he dedicated the victory to his mother, who gave birth to him 33 years ago on Christmas Day.

Rusev then said “Thank you momma” before gesturing a kiss towards the camera. Check out the video here:

Shortly after the episode aired, Rusev took to Twitter and issued out a message to WWE fans regarding his title victory. Not only is Rusev celebrating both his birthday and Christmas, but a US Title win. He called it the “best day ever”:

“Merry Christmas Happy RusevDay and thank you for the birthday wishes. Best day ever.”

Merry Christmas Happy RusevDay and thank you for the birthday wishes. Best day ever. #AndNew

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) December 26, 2018

What do you think of Rusev’s United States Title win over Nakamura?

WWE surprised everyone by putting the United States Championship on Rusev during the taped Christmas special of SmackDown Live yesterday night.

Rusev won the title in a very competitive bout and he was able to defeat the former Champion Shinsuke Nakamura after hitting him with a Machka kick.

However, as we noted before, the cameras didn’t stay on Rusev for long after his victory and the broadcast cut to the backstage segment between AJ Styles and Vince McMahon, while the Bulgarian Brute was still in the ring celebrating his victory.

Though the company did post a video of the former NXT Star making his way back to the locker room and as seen in the clip below, he dedicated this win to his mother:

“This is for my mother, as she gave birth to me 34 years ago on Christmas day. I’ve been three days in the hospital of labor. Thank you, Mama.”

This wasn’t the only place where Rusev reacted to his victory. The new champion also thanked everyone and wished them Merry Christmas via the following tweet:

Merry Christmas Happy RusevDay and thank you for the birthday wishes. Best day ever. #AndNew

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) December 26, 2018

No word yet on what are the future plans for Rusev or the United States Championship, but we’ll keep you posted if more details regarding the same come to light.

We noted before how WWE announced that Shinsuke Nakamura will be defending his United States Championship against Rusev during the final SmackDown Live episode of 2018. The match took place in the main event of the pre-taped Christmas special of the show, and it actually turned out to be a pretty competitive bout.

Nakamura dominated the early parts of the match but the Bulgarian Brute was able to gain momentum later on and the two then showed some good back and forth action.

We saw a number of pinning and submission attempts from both the competitors during the latter half of the bout and fans even broke out a ‘This is Awesome’ chant during the match.

The fight was finally won by Rusev after he delivered a massive clothesline to Shinsuke and was able to pin the Champion following a machka kick:

While this title change came as a surprise for many, this is a pleasant surprise for the WWE universe as many believe that Rusev hasn’t been given the opportunity to prove himself and the company haven’t used him properly in recent years.

Now it’d be interesting to see if this title reign turns out to be the start of Rusev’s redemption or if he ends up losing the championship anytime soon and return to his usual position in the card.

• Update: Rusev Reacts To Winning the United States Championship

WWE taped next week’s episode of Smackdown last night in Fresno, CA. The episode is scheduled to air next week on December 25th, 2018. A notable spoiler took place during last night’s tapings as well.

In a match for the United States championship, Rusev defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the title for the third time in his career. Both the date the match was taped on and the date it will air on happened to fall on Rusev Day.

On the edition of Smackdown which aired last night, Rusev spoke about winning back “his” United States Championship.

Nakamura would later reply that Rusev was not a true challenger for his title but rather a “Total Diva”.

Rusev, Shinsuke Nakamura, United States Championship

The last time Rusev held the United States Championship was in 2016. He lost the title during that reign to Roman Reigns. His previous run with the belt was from 2014 to 2015. That reign ended when he was defeated by John Cena for the title.

Nakamura won the United States title from Jeff Hardy at Extreme Rules this year. He defended it successfully against Hardy at SummerSlam as well. Nakamura previously defended the title successfully against Rusev on the Crown Jewel Kickoff show too. He also defended the title successfully against Tye Dillinger and was twice DQ’ed in title defenses against Jeff Hardy.

Rusev & Lana Make Interesting Survivor Series Tweets

Rusev and Lana had fans talking online after sending out some interesting tweets regarding not making the WWE Survivor Series teams this week. The Men’s Elimination Tag Team Match will see Team RAW (Kurt Angle, Braun Strowman, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler) vs. Team SmackDown (Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe, Rey Mysterio, The Miz & Randy Orton).

It’s possible that Lana is added to Team SmackDown for the women’s match at this show. One of the tweets including Rusev stated that he was going to “restart” in WWE developmental. You can see the tweets here:

Interesting i beat Bryan and Miz and yet they are captains and i can’t even make the roster. NOT EVEN QUALIFYING MATCH!!!

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) November 7, 2018

Apparently the women are just picked with NO qualifying matches ? FAVORITISM! @RusevBUL & I will not be celebrating #RusevDay & #LanaDay at #SurvivorSeries #SDLIVE

— CJ Perry (@TheCJPerry) November 7, 2018

Time to Restart at developmental ???? #NXT #TakeOver #ThisPlaceWorks #WeAreNXT pic.twitter.com/lyZMisOlDl

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) November 7, 2018

I can do whatever i want , guy https://t.co/F39ZVq3wbY

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) November 7, 2018

It’s facts , guy ….. not complaining https://t.co/gxIhWFjM45

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) November 7, 2018

You are my favorite… Lana is the beeest Lana number 1 https://t.co/pmi5gZ2K2c

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) November 7, 2018

NXT Matches Announced

WWE has announced a few matches for next week’s episode of NXT on the WWE Network. Those matches include Mia Yim vs. Bianca Belair, Candice LeRae vs. Nikki Cross and Hanson vs. NXT Tag Team Champion Kyle O’Reilly with the winner earning the War Games advantage for their team at this upcoming event. The episode was taped back on October 17, 2018, from Winter Park, FL at Full Sail University.

The beef has been brewing leading up to #NXTTakeOver: War Games II…#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/c855Fk0Xh3

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) November 8, 2018

The NXT TakeOver: WarGames II event takes place on Saturday, November 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California at the Staples Center and will air on the WWE Network.

Hulk Hogan has responded to Rusev challenging him to a match at WrestleMania 35.

On Monday, the 65 year old wrestling icon fired off a tweet about wanting to get back under 300 pounds. Hogan said he was rewatching his appearance at Crown Jewel last week and feels it’s time to ‘get serious’ about his training and cut weight. Hogan wrote, “I looked huge, sole, jacked and my arms are bigger than most wrestlers legs. I don’t want to look like I can beat up the whole WWE roster anymore. Only Love HH”

Only love, brother. Rusev responded to Hogan. In response to Hogan saying he looks like he could beat up the entire WWE roster, Rusev said, “I think you should start with me!!!” and pointed out that WrestleMania 35 just so happens to fall on Rusev Day.

Hogan Responds to Rusev

Hogan upped the ante and told Rusev he’s got big plans for the Bulgarian Brute in 2019.

.@RusevBUL You are no different than all the other giants that have tried but at least after I defeat you I will have a new manager brother Crushamania. HH https://t.co/erFVTEGPl4

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) November 6, 2018

It seems like a long shot that WWE would book Hogan for a “match” at WrestleMania, even a 2-minute smoke-and-mirrors spot. However, you never know. WWE just headlined pay-per-view last weened involving 4 competitors aged 49 (Triple H), 51 (Kane) and 53 (The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels). Triple H and Roman Reigns most likely out of action for WrestleMania, so WWE can use all the star power they can get.

WrestleMania 35 takes place on Sunday, April 7th, 2019 from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

It didn’t take very long for a WWE Superstar to issue a challenge to wrestle WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan. This is after Hogan made his first appearance with the company in years once he appeared as the host of the Crown Jewel pay-per-view event last Friday at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. At the show, he cut a promo in the ring where he talked about being back in front of the WWE Universe.

The WWE Legend took to his official Twitter account where he talked about his WWE return at Crown Jewel by writing, “Ok, today is a new day. After seeing myself on Crown Jewel I have decided to get serious and get under 300lbs. I looked huge, swole, jacked and my arms are still bigger than most wrestlers legs. I don’t want to look like I can beat up the whole @WWE roster anymore. Only Love HH.”

Ok, today is a new day. After seeing myself on Crown Jewel I have decided to get serious and get under 300lbs. I looked huge, swole, jacked and my arms are still bigger than most wrestlers legs. I don’t want to look like I can beat up the whole @WWE roster anymore. Only Love HH

— Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) November 5, 2018

This led to Rusev responding to that tweet by challenging Hogan to a match at WrestleMania 35.

I think you should start with me!!! WM35 falls on #RusevDay https://t.co/8rgET5Umin

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) November 5, 2018

He was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame earlier this year after Hogan was fired from WWE in the summer of 2015 after racially charged comments from a sex tape came to light.

Smackdown General Manager Paige has announced a grudge match for Smackdown this Tuesday. On the 1001st edition of Smackdown Rusev and Aiden English will face each other in single’s competition.

It will be the first time the two former tag partners have faced each other on the main roster. In 2013, they wrestled twice on NXT house shows with Rusev winning both matches.

Rusev Vs Aiden English

The team formerly known as Rusev Day teamed up originally in October of 2017. They were defeated by Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura on an edition of Smackdown. Rusev Day wrestled twice for the Smackdown Tag Team Championships, coming up short both times. They wrestled in a fatal 4-way tag match for the titles at Clash of Champions 2017. That match was won by the Usos. Their other tag-team title opportunity was also their last match together as a team. They lost to New Day on the 2018 Hell in a Cell Kickoff show.

They would disband earlier this fall, with Aiden then claiming a physical relationship had taken place between him and Lana. English has spent the last few weeks claiming a video of his and Lana’s relationship turning physical existed from a hotel room in Milwaukee. Now, Rusev and English will face each other in single’s action

– Chelsea Green signing with WWE was confirmed on Thursday as the organization announced the latest batch of talent to join the Performance Center. Green’s NXT debut is imminent as she is scheduled to appear at two live events next week.

Green announced tonight on Instagram that she will appear at Thursday’s show in Cocoa, Florida and Friday’s show in Largo, Florida.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIcBvIHzTV/

– Rusev and Lana will appear on a future episode of Drop the Mic on TBS, which pits celebrities against one another in a comic battle rap competition. Lana revealed the news today on her Instagram Story.

– Ahead of WWE Evolution, Alexa Bliss is Lilian Garcia’s next guest on Chasing Glory with Lilian Garcia. Alexa is teaming with Mickie James at the all-women’s pay-per-view and she will discuss her match against Trish Stratus and Lita. The interview will be available starting Monday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpHvGsTnjHs/

• Lawsuit against Charlotte Flair alleges that she made racist comments