Rusev, once the most dominating big man in the WWE until being dealt his first career loss by John Cena at Wrestlemania 31, is struggling to get his supremacy back. Not that the WWE storylines have obviously moved towards a new direction, the once seemingly unbeatable big man is seemingly at a loss.
Rusev did try to recapture his title at WWE Extreme Rules in a match that was supposedly to be in his favor. But as it turned out, he still lost just the same. And now he gets a third (and hopefully) final match at WWE Payback, probably the last time he may get a chance to reclaim the United States Championship.
Rusev's case becomes more complicated with rumors swirling that his manager Lana could be leaving him as well. We have seen that potentially happen, especially during WWE Extreme Rules. And Lana's departure could be imminent, probably something many will see at WWE Payback.
So where does this leave the Bulgarian Brute?
From the looks of it, his role has somehow been relegated to a regular competitor. From being a dominant wrestler, Rusev has not been the same feared competitor which may indicate that he isn't exactly fit to be a fan-favorite. So where does that leave him?
Rusev could undergo a major change from heel to fan-favorite, something previous WWE characters have gone through after enjoying the limelight as a nemesis. One can think of the Iron Sheik or even Nikolai Volkoff, both who have had their chances at the title but eventually lose it to fan-favorites or popular wrestlers.
Could Rusev be following the same route? Based on WWE history and his current run it is not far from happening.
So will he win at WWE Payback? As things stand now, it doesn't seem likely especially if you add the fact that it could set the stage for Lana's departure.
And Rusev's future? Whether he reclaims the United States Championship or not, it seems that Rusev will have to make a long climb back to the top of the WWE ranks but most probably on his own.
