10 WWE Storylines We'd Like To See In 2018
4. The Rise Of Rusev
Happy Rusev Year.
What's infuriating about WWE's treatment of foreign talent is the nationalistic lens through which they are viewed, more often than not; though WWE has experimented with non-U.S. babyface World Champions - Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio - they are of a certain type. The muscular, powerhouse Sheamus was very much a Triple H guy, whereas Del Rio existed as a sudden and transparent Rey Mysterio replacement. Both were positioned at the top with a contrived cynicism, but there is an organically over European crying out for a progressive babyface push: the hugely amiable, funny, and talented Rusev. But how to engineer that turn, that push?
The Money In The Bank briefcases possesses a promise yet to fully realise itself; only Rob Van Dam, career WWE babyface, has reinforced his honour by booking his cash-in date in advance. If Rusev were to follow a similar path, proclaiming his good guy credentials in the process, the effect is multilayered:
We go a year without increasingly tedious cash-in teases.
We anticipate a fresh and desired marquee main event.
The symbology of the briefcase itself benefits from a transition from albatross to emblem of esteem.
And, in theory, WWE creates a new star the Universe wants to actually get behind.