A current WWE heel, Rusev, has openly credited John Cena for playing a pivotal role in shaping his career within the company. Their intense rivalry in 2015, highlighted by multiple battles for the United States Championship, helped elevate Rusev’s standing in WWE. In late 2014, Rusev made history as the first wrestler from Bulgaria to capture the WWE US title, marking a significant milestone for both him and his country.
Rusev successfully defended the title against Cena at the Fastlane event in February 2015 before ultimately losing it in a rematch at WrestleMania 31. This WrestleMania moment was especially memorable due to Rusev’s dramatic entrance, arriving in a military tank alongside his wife Lana, in front of an audience of approximately 75,000 fans.
Reflecting on their numerous encounters during an interview with VoxCatch, the 39-year-old wrestler expressed deep gratitude for what he learned from Cena.
“I learned a lot from John Cena. You know, I got to wrestle him quite a bit throughout my years in WWE. And I owe a lot of my success to him, because I got to learn from him, wrestling him, beating him as well. So I’m always going to be thankful for that.” —Rusev, WWE Wrestler
Rusev Eyes Ending John Cena’s Career as Payback
As much as Rusev respects John Cena’s impact, he also revealed plans to return the favor by seeking to end Cena’s wrestling career. Cena, who is scheduled to retire in December after a limited number of remaining matches, stands as a target for Rusev’s ambitions. The Bulgarian wrestler hinted that karma will play a part in this potential showdown.
“He started my career, now I can end his, which [would] be very appropriate. And karma always strikes back at the end of the day.” —Rusev, WWE Wrestler
Rusev recently reappeared on WWE RAW following WrestleMania, reigniting his in-ring rivalry with Sheamus. He secured a win over Sheamus at the Clash in Paris premium live event, marking a strong return to form. Meanwhile, Rusev also addressed his time with AEW, breaking his silence on that phase of his career.
Upcoming Matches and Developments Surrounding John Cena
John Cena’s impending retirement has sparked considerable interest in his remaining matches, including a highly anticipated final bout against Brock Lesnar at the upcoming Wrestlepalooza event. WWE officials, including Triple H, have recently discussed the build-up to this significant showdown, with ESPN pressuring WWE to deliver a memorable spectacle. This event is poised to be a defining moment for Cena’s storied career.
Recent WWE Headlines Highlighting Rivalries and Personal Stories
In other WWE news, several storylines and personal revelations have captured attention. Blake Monroe shared candid thoughts about life outside WWE during an interview with The CW, including her desire to marry an ex-WWE champion. Meanwhile, a WWE Hall of Famer criticized Ronda Rousey, accusing her of disrespecting professional wrestling.
Fans also saw Jey Uso celebrate the reunion of The Usos alongside his brother Jimmy, revitalizing one of WWE’s most iconic tag teams. Additionally, Bayley aired a dark and unsettling vignette on WWE Raw, signaling a bold new direction for her character.
WWE Hall of Fame talent weighed in on Logan Paul’s future in wrestling, suggesting he might become one of the greatest fan favorites in history. On the business side, Triple H revealed the intense pressure WWE faced from ESPN to organize Wrestlepalooza, while the son of a former WWE champion voiced frustration with his current role within the company.
The Lasting Influence of John Cena on WWE Careers
John Cena’s influence within WWE continues to extend beyond his in-ring achievements, serving as a key figure in the careers of many wrestlers like Rusev. Cena’s status as a 17-time World Champion and his numerous headline matches have made him both a benchmark and a stepping stone for emerging talents. As Cena approaches retirement, wrestlers like Rusev aim both to honor and challenge his legacy, promising intense confrontations that could define the future landscape of WWE.
