Newcomers to WWE should rejoice at the character of Rusev, played admirably by a man who gets how to piece together an exciting match. In 2008, wrestling fans were subjected to Vladimir Kozlov, who surely must stand as one of the most bewildering choices as a main eventer in recent memory. It's stunning to think, but Kozlov was actually handed a clean win over The Undertaker on an episode of Smackdown, mainly in a last-ditch attempt to get fans to care about the character. Unfortunately, not even a win over one of WWE's most-beloved stars could catapult Vladimir into the stratosphere - WWE were handing Kozlov everything they could, but he just wasn't cut out to be a top star. Confusing fans even more, Kozlov co-headlined Survivor Series 2008, taking part in a billed Triple Threat Match also featuring Triple H and Jeff Hardy. It was announced during the Pay-Per-View that Hardy had been found unconscious, a storyline which would later be revealed as a plot by Edge to win the World Heavyweight Title. Therefore, fans had to sit through a singles match between Triple H and Kozlov, which didn't really capture the imagination.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
