5 Facts you should know about Rusev

Rusev needs no introduction to the WWE Universe. It all started with the 2014 Royal Rumble. Ever since, he’s been someone to watch out for whenever in the ring.However, here are some facts of about Rusev you might want to know:

#1 First Bulgarian Signing of the WWE

Alexander Rusev (real name being Miroslav Barnyashev) is the first-ever Bulgarian professional wrestler signed by the WWE. His place of birth was in Plovdiv, Bulgaria on December 25, 1985. As a child, Rusev attended a sports school and competed in rowing and power lifting.

He made his way over the United States once he moved to Torrance, California back in 2007. It’s been reported that he actually competed for the Bulgarian Olympic Weightlifting team during the 2012 Summer Olympics. However, that’s untrue since he broke his neck that summer and was unable to compete.

#2 He Was Trained by Two Attitude Era Stars

Alexander Rusev began his professional wrestling career when be became a trainee at the Knokx Wrestling Valley. Rusev’s trainers were none other than WWF/E Attitude Era superstars Rikishi and Grangel. Rusev made his professional wrestling debut on November 22, 2008 under the moniker of “Miroslav Makaraov.” He competed in a match against fellow wrestling school trainee Aerial Star.

#3 Signed with the WWE in 2011

Rusev officially signed to the WWE in April 2011 through a WWE Developmental contract. His “Alexander Rusev” ring name was given to him as he entered wrestling’s biggest organization. On a June 9, 2011 edition of Florida Championship Wrestling, WWE’s former developmental territory, Rusev debuted in a winning effort against Mike Dalton.

#4 Began with WWEs New Developmental Territory, NXT

Rusev injured himself shortly after making his debut in FCW when he broke his anterior cruciate ligament and his meniscus. After six months of rehab, he returned to FCW in 2012. His second career injury came when he broke his neck and paralyzed one of his arms in the process.

During the rehabilitation process for these injuries, Rusev ventured to Thailand and began learning the martial art of Muay Thai. Once FCW was transformed into NXT, Rusev returned to wrestling in 2013. He’s currently now the member of the WWE RAW roster.

#5 Performance

The entire WWE Universe got a chance to watch Alexander Rusev in action on WWE’s main stage. Alexander Rusev entered the 2014 Royal Rumble match at #6. His in-ring prowess was on full display when he entered the ring and manhandled fellow superstars like CM Punk and Kofi Kingston.

His elimination from the Rumble came when Kingston, Punk, Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins all ganged up on him to flip him over the top rope. Since then, Rusev has taken on a host of superstars including Mark Henry in Summer Slam.