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What's the story?
The "Bulgarian Brute" Rusev had a lot say when he was interviewed backstage after his match with Big E. Rusev sent a message to AJ saying that he was not going to let AJ Styles stop him from being part of Team SmackDown Live for Survivor Series.
In case you didn't know....
Rusev faced Big E from The New Day in a Singles Match on SmackDown Live. He was able to emerge victoriously from that encounter as he took advantage of a distraction that came when Aiden English entered the ring to get away from Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Big E hit the Big Ending on Aiden English, but Rusev took the opportunity to hit him with a Big Boot Thrust on the back of his neck. The move was enough to put Big E away as Rusev picked up the win.
After the match, Rusev and English went backstage to celebrate and to demand a spot on the SmackDown Live team from Shane McMahon. Shane informed him that he would not be given a spot on the team unless he was able to defeat AJ Styles in a match the next week.
The heart of the matter
Rusev was asked how he felt upon hearing that he had to beat AJ Styles to get a spot on the SmackDown Live team. The "Bulgarian Brute" felt that it was not fair at all, as everyone else had fought in only one match to qualify. Rusev had also won a match, but now Shane was throwing 'hurdles' at him, as he had to win again next week to gain a spot.
He said he would 'jump over' and 'swim through' the hurdles, but he was not happy about it. He talked about how he led the SmackDown Live invasion of Raw last week, where his passion for SmackDown had been obvious.
He went on to say that he was not worried, as he knew he could take the 'smaller man of AJ Styles'. He said AJ was the size of Rusev's shoe so his place in the team was assured.
Watch Rusev's match against Big E:
What's next?
Rusev is set to take on AJ Styles in a match to determine the last participant of Team SmackDown Live for Survivor Series.
Author's take
Rusev and Styles are both amazing athletes and the two of them can actually put on a beautiful match. That being said, I can't help feel sorry for Rusev, as he made some valid points. He had emerged as the winner of his match against Big E, and he will now have to face Styles.
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