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What’s the story?
It's been one of the most bizarre stories to come out of WrestleMania week, what's going on with Rusev and WWE?
After being added to a Casket Match with the Undertaker at the Greatest Royal Rumble, the following 24 hours saw Rusev be replaced in the match and drastically change his social media, leading to rumours that the former United States Champion is no longer with the company.
Well, WWE has now spoken out about Rusev's situation, and his role at the Greatest Royal Rumble.
In case you didn’t know…
So, after some unsubstantiated rumours that Rusev had asked for his release prior to WrestleMania, due to being unhappy with his position in the company, 'The Bulgarian Brute' was added to the United States Championship match at WrestleMania 34.
With his addition to the match on 'The Grandest Stage of Them All' and the rise in popularity of Rusev, with very vocal "Rusev Day" chants from the WWE Universe recently, all eyes were on 'The Bulgarian Brute' in New Orleans.
While Rusev was unsuccessful in capturing the title and unsuccessful in claiming the spot of the challenger to the title on SmackDown, things were still looking up for the hugely popular Superstar.
On Wednesday, it was announced by the WWE, that former two-time United States Champion would compete in a Casket Match against The Undertaker at WWE’s upcoming Greatest Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia.
However, no more than 24 hours later, WWE confirmed that Chris Jericho would replace Rusev in the match.
With no explanation as to why, fingers have been pointed at a tweet Rusev sent soon after the announcement of the match was made. See below, or for an interview, TMZ Sports ran with Rusev and Lana about the match.
Since then, Rusev has changed all of his social media accounts. The profile photo and header on Twitter now promote a movie he and Lana are in called Other Versions of You, and all mention of WWE is gone. In fact, Rusev no longer follows the company on Twitter, and he tweeted out the following.
The heart of the matter
After almost 24 hours of rumours suggesting Rusev and WWE have parted ways, there was still no official announcement or statement from either WWE or Rusev, aside from the cryptic tweet from 'The Bulgarian Brute', but Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated has tweeted out the following after reaching out to the company.
Traina confirms that Rusev is still contracted to WWE, and will be at the Greatest Royal Rumble Match, performing in the first ever 50-man Royal Rumble Match.
What’s next?
WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble event airs live on the WWE Network, on April 27, from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Author’s Take
Well, this is interesting, and one to keep an eye on for sure. Who knows what's going on behind the scenes, and if Rusev and the company were to part ways, it would most likely be kept a secret, until either WWE or he himself mentions it on social media.
You never know what could happen though. With Neville currently in limbo, being under contract to the company, doesn't always mean the relationship is solid. Here's hoping this is either all a work, or all is forgiven soon, and Rusev can go on to prosper in WWE!
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
