This would be a major win for Rusev, and the culminating point of his pro-Russian, anti-American gimmick. There has not been a Russian US Champion since Nikita Koloff, who won the NWA version all the way back in 1986, and there has never been one to win WWEs version. This would make Rusev an absolute monster of a heel. Having a Russian holding the United States Championship would make people absolutely despise him, as well as potentially garner some mainstream media attention. Rusevs win over Sheamus (despite Sheamus not being American) would truly wound American pride, and with WWEs most patriotic superstars already vanquished by Rusev, the WWE would need a new contender to defeat him. Can you imagine the reaction he would get? If Rusev walked out of the ring speaking Russian, carrying the Russian flag in his hand while wearing the United States Championship? His promos with Lana would truly draw the ire of the fans. Say what you want about the legitimacy of these promos and his character; there are many people that legitimately dislike Russia and its leaders for whats going on in the world, and to see a Russian representing them (the Americans) would indeed cause boos from the fans. The more patriotic fans would be especially irate. A key role in this moment would go to the commentators, especially JBL. Bradshaw would be cheering for Sheamus for the duration of the match (despite the champion hailing from Ireland), but when Rusev is crowned Champion, JBL would go completely silent, his mouth wide open in shock. The other announcers would speak quietly to emphasize their surprise, while JBL would remain silent, not even responding to the other two. Ultimately, after a while, JBL would simply say how disgusted he is that the Russian is now the U.S. Champion But who would challenge Rusev, after defeating the U.S. Champion?
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
