Backstage update on Rusev’s (fka Miro) departure from AEW

Rusev returned to WWE earlier this year. New details have come to light regarding his exit from AEW.

Rusev joined AEW in 2020 under the ring name Miro. He was initially booked strongly in the company. He dominated his opponents in the ring and even captured the TNT Championship. However, his booking took a downturn after he lost the title. After wrestling his last match for AEW at Worlds End 2023, he wasn't seen on TV for the entirety of 2024 before he was released earlier this year. Following his exit, he returned to WWE on RAW after WrestleMania 41.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the former AEW star's career took a downturn after he couldn't agree with Tony Khan on his creative direction. He also stated that the former Miro didn't want to lose before returning to WWE.

"Once he got down and serious, he had really good matches and it was going well and then he got hurt and then he and Tony just couldn't agree on stuff and just didn't do anything ... there really wasn't much to do with him because there just wasn't, he didn't want to lose before going back to WWE, so there you go." [H/T WrestlingInc]

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Vince Russo buried Rusev's recent match

Ever since returning to WWE, Rusev has been a man on a mission to dish out pain to anyone who steps in his way. After destroying Alpha Academy, Sheamus stepped up to challenge The Bulgarian Brute. The two men had a singles match this week on RAW. Both superstars put on a hard-hitting contest, with the former AEW star coming out on top.

During a recent episode of the Legion of RAW podcast, Vince Russo said he fast-forwarded through Rusev and Sheamus' match because WWE failed to build a proper storyline around it.

"I am sure Rusev and Sheamus beat the ever-loving snot out of each other, okay. I'm not gonna lie to you, I fast-forwarded through this whole match. Why? Because I don't care who wins. I don't. I don't have a horse in the race. There's no story. Why do I want Sheamus to win? I don't care, guys. That's not my fault." [From 26:55 onwards]

It will be interesting to see what's next for the former AEW star.

About the author

Sunil is a pro wrestling journalist, covering AEW and WWE news stories at Sportskeeda. He holds an MBA degree in Marketing, and has nearly 7 years of experience. A wrestling aficionado since childhood, Sunil used to imitate his favorite wrestlers as a young kid, and started writing professionally about the sport via Sportskeeda’s revenue-sharing opportunity.

Sunil admires former world champions AJ Styles, Will Ospreay, and Kenny Omega for their ability to consistently deliver great matches as well as entertain crowds with their mic skills.

If ever given a chance to change a storyline, Sunil would have booked Roman Reigns to end The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak instead of Brock Lesnar. According to him, The Tribal Chief needed the victory more than Brock Lesnar, as the latter was already an established performer when he defeated ‘Taker. He would’ve also made that as Taker’s final match.

Always focused on making his work accurate and reliable, Sunil thoroughly checks his facts before writing his articles. When not writing for pro wrestling, he spends his time watching cricket.

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Backstage update on Rusev’s (fka Miro) departure from AEW - Reports

Vince Russo buried Rusev's recent match