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All over the world, a peculiar phenomenon is occurring. Wrestling fans from all walks of life and all nations are embracing a Bulgarian athlete with great enthusiasm.
The groundswell of support for a man who had been relegated to the lower mid-card is as surprising as it is refreshing. Despite the best efforts of WWE to make Rusev into a villain fans love to boo, he continues to get cheers much louder than his spot on the card would indicate.
Thanks to a new catchphrase--It's Rusev Day!--and a charming, slightly goofy social media presence, Miroslav Barnyashev has finally done what unbeaten streaks, title reigns, and heavy promotion have failed to do.
He's gotten over with the wrestling fans.
Getting the fans behind (or against) you is pretty much a guarantee of success. The WWE listens to their fans, now more than ever. Here are seven reasons Rusev is the next breakout star of wrestling.
#7 Tremendous Strength
Rusev possesses a natural strength and talent for heavy lifting. He has developed this in born ability with fierce training, making him one of the strongest active wrestlers in the world.
Given his natural stockiness and thick build, Rusev has all the physical tools he needs to dominate the WWE for years to come.
#6 Rusev is a ten-year veteran
Rusev is no Johnny-come-lately. He started his pro wrestling journey back in 2008, where he was trained by former WWE stars Gangrel and Rikishi.
In fact, he emigrated from Bulgaria to the US for the express purpose of becoming a pro wrestler. It's all he ever wanted to do, and he does it so very well.
#5 He overcame a broken neck
Early in his tenure with WWE's developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling, Rusev suffered a terrible injury.
His neck was broken, so badly, that he had paralysis in his arm. For many wrestlers that would be the end of their career, because rehabilitation from such an injury is arduous and painful, and the fear of another such injury can shake a man's nerve.
Not Rusev. He battled back from this major setback to claim his rightful spot on the WWE main roster.
#4 He studied Muay Thai
Faced with a long, slow recovery from his broken neck, Rusev had the option of taking it easy while he healed.
He had the option, but didn't take it.
Instead, he travelled to Thailand to study the ancient, brutal martial art of Muay Thai. He sought to improve his mobility and pick up more moves for his offensive game. Rusev's martial arts background pushes him over the top of other power wrestlers like Big E Langston or Drew McIntyre.
#3 His wife is always in his corner
There's an old saying that goes like this - Behind every great man, there is a behind him holding him up.
This is especially true of Rusev. His wife Lana--also a WWE superstar--helps to ground him while pushing him to achieve his best performance.
Fans watching Rusev interact with his wife on Total Divas began the process of humanizing the Bulgarian Brute, making him into a man people feel they can connect with.
#2 He's already beaten some of the best
Rusev has already tussled with -- and defeated -- some of wrestling's modern Icons, like John Cena.
When you're put into a feud with 'the face that runs the place' right out of the gate, you know you're on the right track. Rusev has proven he has the chops, the charisma, and the presence to exist at the top levels of wrestling.
#1 Strong Social Media Presence
Lots of wrestlers have a strong social media presence, such as Matt Hardy and Zach Ryder. However, Rusev's Social Media game is stronger.
By utilizing a slightly goofy version of his in-ring character, he was able to garner a legion of dedicated followers who find him entertaining both inside and outside of the ring.
If you are wondering just how powerful Rusev's social media presence is, consider this; The fans forced WWE to change their PPV booking.
Rusev had been scheduled to face Undertaker in a casket match at the Greatest Royal Rumble, but a kayfabe-breaking tweet (Bury me softly, brother) and a televised rant against the 'old' Undertaker nearly derailed those plans. WWE thought that Undertaker would be offended, and pulled Rusev from the match to replace him with Chris Jericho.
The fanbase wasn't having any of that! Due to a swarm of angry Rusev Day enthusiasts and their use of social media, Rusev was put back into the match with Undertaker. Rarely does WWE change their booking because of fan opinion, and that they have done so this time is a testament to Rusev's charisma and talent.
There you have it; Seven reasons why Rusev is the next breakout star. Better get used to celebrating Rusev Day every day!
