Rusev Explains Why He Missed WWE SmackDown Live

Former WWE United States Champion Rusev why he missed his scheduled return date on SmackDown Live.

Last week on Twitter, Rusev continued his demands to SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon of getting a WWE Championship opportunity at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view. Rusev upped the ante, stating that he will confront Shane McMahon on SmackDown Live since he has yet to get a response from him.

With the expectation of Rusev returning, there was no Bulgarian brute by the end of the show. The Bulgarian Brute went to Twitter to explain why he was not at the show. In fact, he gave the impression that his hyped return could have been a big ruse.

"“Sorry [SmackDown Live]. I had to make the [Nashville Predators] game. See you when I see you.”"

Perhaps Rusev was the missing link in the audience that Nashville needed, as they were able to defeat Anaheim by the score of 2-1 and also gain a 2-1 lead against the Ducks in the conference finals.

Weeks before WrestleMania 33, Rusev suffered an injury to his shoulder, and had to undergo surgery. As a result, he was unable to perform at the Camping World Stadium (Citrus Bowl) in Orlando, Florida. Following the show, Busted Open Radio released an interview with Lana that provided an update of how long the two-time United States Champion will be out of action. Lana gave a timeline of 2-4 months.

Occurring on June 18, Money in the Bank will be the next SmackDown Live pay-per-view following Backlash. Right now, the WWE Championship match pits Randy Orton against Jinder Mahal. With Orton favored to win the match, WWE could be priming Rusev to be the next person in line to compete against The Viper, and win his first world championship since debuting with the company.

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With the next SmackDown Live building up to Money in the Bank, it will be interesting if Rusev’s demands are fulfilled, and he gets to face Orton in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.