Is Rusev Ready for the WWE Universal Championship?
By Sarah Hirsch
This summer’s feud with Roman Reigns proves that Rusev is ready for the main event. When will that happen is the question.
Sunday night saw Rusev lose the WWE United States Championship to Roman Reigns. The two men were involved in an intense feud that continued to boil over on Raw this past Monday. Reigns may have the upper hand, but Rusev isn’t the loser here by a long shot.
Feuding with Reigns allowed Rusev to grow as a Superstar even more. While the Bulgarian Brute has done battle with John Cena in the past, it prepped him to shine this summer with Reigns. Rusev had more screen time to showcase what he can do and has passed with flying colors. His dominance was spotlighted, such as when he made Reigns look vulnerable in his attack two weeks ago on Raw. The no-contest decision at SummerSlam was the best thing Creative could do to further the feud and make both men look dominant. That showed that Rusev was also to be taken seriously next to Reigns.
In addition, having the beautiful Lana by his side enhances his character and not hinder it. The Ravishing Russian is an asset to her husband, which is a great thing to see. Her involvement in the match Sunday was a huge step, and we could see more of that in the future.
After Rusev’s program with Reigns is over, perhaps it is time to look towards the WWE Universal Championship. Rusev has more than earned his place on the main event scene. The question is though, when is the right time? With Kevin Owens holding the strap, it’s logical that Rusev won’t challenge him for now. If the Champion happens to be Seth Rollins down the road however, Creative could work with that scenario.
It wouldn’t make sense for Rusev to go down the card after he and Reigns are done. The last thing that needs to happen to Rusev is being lost in the shuffle. While it’s unknown what plans are, Rusev’s ascension shouldn’t be deterred. I can’t see anyone other than Rollins when it comes to Rusev’s next opponent. The company has put focus on him, and while Reigns may have taken the United States Championship from him that doesn’t mean that he was cast off. Going back to the old days, when a Superstar loses the secondary title it was a matter of time before he was in the World Championship picture. This could very well happen.
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But for now, it seems that Rusev and Reigns will continue to battle it out. I’m guessing they may take this feud to Hell in a Cell where it will more than likely culminate inside the cell. Considering the intensity the feud has had, it is appropriate.
After that, it is up in the air for fans for what happens next. It seems time is what complicates the idea of Rusev in the Universal Championship picture. Also, there are other Superstars to take in consideration such as Cesaro and Sheamus. It is not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when for the two-time United States Champion.
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And let’s hope for him that it is sooner rather than later.