10 Ways WWE Screwed Up At SummerSlam 2017

4. Rusev, Crushed

Jinder Mahal Shinsuke Nakamura
WWE.com

One month removed from his crippling loss to John Cena at Battleground, Rusev's career suffered another major blow at SummerSlam. It was Randy Orton doing the damage this time, defeating 'The Bulgarian Brute' with an RKO in 10 seconds, despite falling victim to a pre-match assault from his opponent. 'The Viper' moves forward, and Rusev moves further backwards - if that's even possible at this stage.

This was a horrendous decision. It was abundantly clear that WWE were going to use this match to give Orton a win after losing the Jinder Mahal feud, but they did it in the worst possible way. Not only did Rusev lose a comically short bout, but he fell to just a single move after attacking Orton to gain an advantage, making him look like an ineffectual fool.

The Bulgarian has had a horrendous 2017, but this was a new low, even if we take the nonsensical Big Cass/Enzo Amore feud into account. There were murmurs last week that he'd asked WWE for his release after becoming frustrated with the way he was being booked. If true, this helps explain the quickfire loss, and at this stage, leaving may just be what's best for Rusev.

Channel Manager
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.