10 Biggest WWE WrestleMania 34 Missed Opportunities

4. Rusev Day? Not Today, Pal...

WWE WrestleMania 34 NXT Battle Royal
WWE.com

WWE's most misused modern performer is an absolute gem. A magnetic entertainer, he's endlessly charismatic, and while a clear level or two below "best in the world" contention, a wrestler capable of keeping up with even his most talented peers between the ropes.

His chants dominate every show, and he has proven he can get anything over (from dopey love triangle storylines, to tank-based ring entrances). On top of this, he's one of his company's biggest merch-shifters, and somebody the fans absolute adore, but alas: not only did WWE not put him over at WrestleMania 34, but they had him pinned by Jinder Mahal.

The company spurned two big opportunities in doing so. They could've restored relevance to the flagging United States Title division by strapping a performer the fans genuinely want to invest in, and reward a long-suffering wrestler with an escape route from his lowly position in the hierarchy. Instead, the belt remains firmly entrenched in muck, and if he isn't moved to Raw as part of next week's Superstar Shakeup, so will Rusev, who remains miscast as a heel.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.