Why Rusev Was Replaced In WWE Super ShowDown 2020 Match

Rusev won't be competing for the Tuwaiq Trophy after all.

by Andy H Murray
Tuwaiq Trophy Mysterio
WWE

Rusev has been pulled from WWE Super ShowDown 2020's Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntlet Match, with Rey Mysterio seemingly taking his spot in the bout.

This was revealed when WWE started reeling out new advertisements on Monday. Here's the original graphic featuring 'The Bulgarian Brute':-

Tuwaiq Trophy
WWE

As seen on this report's header, Rusev is nowhere to be found on the new materials, with Mysterio taking his place.

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The reason for this switch-up shouldn't surprise anybody who has been paying attention to Rusev's WWE situation over the past few weeks. Per PWInsider, WWE made the decision to pull him from the bout and replace him with Rey as Rusev is yet to sign a new contract with the promotion.

This is in-line with Dave Meltzer's recent report that we shouldn't have seen Rusev's planned Super ShowDown participation as a sign that the tension between the former United States Champion and his employers had eased off.

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Talks of contractual stalemate made the initial match announcement a surprise, though Rusev did return to last week's WWE Raw, teaming with Humberto Carrillo to face Angel Garza and Bobby Lashley. Now, it seems like 'The Bulgarian Brute' has vanished again.

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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.