The Real Reason Rusev Hasn't Been On WWE TV Lately

Where in the world is The Bulgarian Brute?

Rusev Unhappy
WWE.com

If you're wondering where Rusev has been lately, Dave Meltzer seems to have the answer in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Per the swole star ratings overlord, 'The Bulgarian Brute,' who last appeared at Super ShowDown on 7 June, has been absent from televised because he specifically requested some time off from the company. A specific return date hasn't been set yet, but Meltzer notes that he is "expected back shortly."

Rusev has been one of many WWE wrestlers to suffer through the Wild Card Rule's implementation. Big names crossing over from Raw and SmackDown has dramatically restricted the airtime available to those beneath the main event and upper-midcard scenes, and the big man has worked just two televised bouts since WrestleMania 35.

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2019 has been a rough year for Rusev as a whole, with his lacklustre Shinsuke Nakamura feud turning into a nonsensical tag team, resulting in both men fading into the background. The multi-talented bruiser is continually linked with WWE's exit door. The rumours resurfaced against last week, and while they've never come true in the past, it's easy to understand why he might not be pleased with his position in the company.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.