5 Ups And 6 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (Dec 1st)
3. Rusev Is Crushing It
It almost seems sad that in 2014, a wrestler can tap into many fans inner xenophobe and spark a strong reaction from the crowd. But somehow, Rusev and Lanas routine has worked. They regularly get one of the strongest reactions from fans. Rusev can deliver in the ring, and Lana provides not just eye candy, but a strong presence on the mic. Even Rusev has started dropping some good mini-promos. Six months ago, it seemed almost implausible that this combination of Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik (for his Camel Clutch/Accolade) would register with fans in a post-Cold War world. But the boos and U.S.A! chants that ring out are unmistakable. In many ways, its a shame that hes seemingly being built up potentially for Cena to destroy him at WrestleMania XXXI. If those plans hold, itll be sad to see an undefeated monster toppled by the Golden Boy. It might be a star-making moment for someone else. And thats how you know that Rusev has gotten over: When defeating him would actually mean something.
Scott is a former journalist and longtime wrestling fan who was smart enough to abandon WCW during the Monday Night Wars the same time as the Radicalz. He fondly remembers watching WrestleMania III, IV, V and VI and Saturday Night's Main Event, came back to wrestling during the Attitude Era, and has been a consumer of sports entertainment since then. He's written for WhatCulture for more than a decade, establishing the Ups and Downs articles for WWE Raw and WWE PPVs/PLEs and composing pieces on a variety of topics.
