Former WWE Champion Reportedly Re-Signs—Here's Who It Could Affect
VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 30: Triple H speaks at the WWE Post Show during WWE Survivor Series: ... More War Games at Rogers Arena on November 30, 2024 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo)
Rusev Day is seemingly coming back to WWE—or maybe it'll be Miro Day. In any case, the former U.S. Champion was released by AEW in February, and he was reportedly seen at WWE headquarters in Stamford, CT this week.
Most suspect his return is imminent, and that could mean he'll be injected into a major or mid-card storyline soon. One particular champion could lose his title and some meaningful screen time.
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 08: WWE superstars Rusev and Lana attend the 2016 CMT Music awards at the ... More Bridgestone Arena on June 8, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)
LA Knight has had a mostly forgettable run as the U.S. Champion, and while he may have been the right man to dethrone Logan Paul, and it was OK to see him get it back from Shinsuke Nakamura, I don't think he has elevated the title the way Gunther did with the IC title during his run.
Rusev is already a three-time U.S. Champion, and you could argue that his first reign with the title in 2014 is one of the most distinguished runs with the historic belt in the past 15 years.
He was dominant in a way that made for compelling WWE television, and it would be interesting to see if he can recapture that charisma.
If Rusev is returning as most of us believe, and he's going to be a heel—which would make sense—targeting LA Knight in a feud and winning back the title is a strong re-entry into the fray.
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 10: LA Knight makes his way to the ring during SmackDown at Moda Center ... More on January 10, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo)
Knight has fallen flat since his push following an abbreviated feud with the late Bray Wyatt. His character lacks layers, and while he is a fantastic in-ring performer, he hasn't given us the memorable moments on the mic that you'd expect from a man with the catchphrase, 'let me talk to ya.'
Where Rusev or Miro goes from there in WWE is uncertain. It may depend on whether or not he can get over with the WWE Universe in his second run with the promotion. Other AEW stars like Penta have landed with WWE and experienced noteworthy success.
Rusev's real-life wife, CJ Perry aka Lana, could also return. She was a major part of his overall presentation during his prime with WWE. While the reports say Perry wasn't present at WWE headquarters, the speculation is sensible.
Both Perry and Rusev would receive a huge pop if and when they return.
It's all about the packaging and impact. If Rusev gets reintroduced with an angle and layers that resonate with fans, the 39-year-old could be a surprise hit this summer in WWE.
He may have some competition from another former WWE Superstar who is seemingly set to return. Malakai Black is also believed to have rejoined the WWE after being released by AEW in February.
Black's arrival may have already been teased with the '4' vignettes that have popped up on WWE programming. He too could have a strong summer if he makes an appearance soon.
Add to that Rey Fenix, who will be making his WWE debut on Friday Night SmackDown on April 4. There's a ton of new blood to consider, and it'll be interesting to see how Triple H and Co. work it all in.
To this point, things have gone smoothly. The Road to WrestleMania is as layered as I can remember, and the plots could get even deeper if Black, Fenix, and Rusev find their niche.
Stay tuned.
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