10 Best Foreign Heels In WWE History
9. Rusev
Wrestling companies across America would prey heavily on the audience’s increased fear of the perceived “Russian menace” throughout the Cold War. Somewhat anachronistically, Rusev is a byproduct of that.
Debuting through a series of 2014 squash matches and capturing the United States Championship later that year, he and his valet Lana were making great traction. Their pro-Russian, anti-USA act descended to cliché every now and then, but they were one of the hottest acts in the company, and Rusev was showing great promise as an in-ring powerhouse.
Then came John Cena, who soundly defeated Rusev in four consecutive matches, took his championship, and all-but killed his buzz in the process. Then there was the Dolph Ziggler love triangle, Summer Rae, and the League of Nations… ugh.
Rusev has been somewhat rehabilitated since reuniting with Lana earlier this year, even while the US Title scene dies around him. There’s still a long way to go before he returns to his former glory, but The Bulgarian Brute and his Ravishing cohort will be waving their Russian/Bulgarian flag for a long time to come.