WWE Backstage Reaction To Rusev's Return

Rusev made his long-awaited return to WWE on the Raw after WrestleMania 41, with the ‘Bulgarian Brute’ demolishing Alpha Academy single handedly.

The former US Champion’s arrival back in the company has been on the cards for some time, with Rusev’s All Elite Wrestling exit in early 2025 paving the way for his WWE return. A report from PWInsider states that many talents in WWE were happy to have Rusev back in the fold, with WWE allegedly intending to have Rusev ‘back in the mix in a major way’ going forward.

Members of Rusev’s family were in attendance for Raw, but Lana - who has reportedly signed a WWE Legends deal - was not with them, as WWE didn’t want to risk her being spotted by fans thus giving away Rusev’s surprise return.

Rusev has signed a two-year deal with WWE, with his last match in the company coming back in February 2020. Rusev’s last major televised match was a win over Andrade el Idolo at AEW Worlds End in December 2023, with Rusev recently dusting off his gear for a singles loss against Alberto el Patron in February 2025.

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