Rusev has acknowledged that working alongside John Cena played a crucial role in developing his wrestling abilities. Speaking with Chris Van Vliet, Rusev looked back on his early WWE career, highlighting the impact of working with seasoned performers like Cena, Mark Henry, and Big Show. Though Rusev and Cena faced each other on television multiple times, including a notable match at WrestleMania 31, the majority of their encounters happened during live house shows around the world. This extensive interaction was fundamental to Rusev’s evolution as a wrestler and provided valuable lessons beyond what fans saw on TV.
Lessons Learned from Traveling and Match Experiences
Rusev described how frequent matches against Cena, sometimes numbering over a thousand at live events, gave him deep insight into the craft. Reflecting on this period, he said,
“I love that man, he taught me so much, You know, people seen us probably wrestle like 10, 15 times on TV, but we wrestled probably 1500 times on live events. We traveled all over the world just to wrestle. And even in European tours, we used to do Red, then Blue, then Raw, then SmackDown, then maybe SmackDown, then again Raw. Like, we would just jump everywhere to do this match. And just learning from him, just listening, paying attention to what he does, why he does it, keeping my ears open, my mouth shut. And I’ve learned so much, man.”
—Rusev, WWE Wrestler
These countless matches offered Rusev firsthand exposure to how a top performer like Cena adapts to different audiences and event settings. The rigorous schedule and diverse venues allowed him to absorb key wrestling techniques and crowd engagement strategies.
Preparation from Veteran Wrestlers Eased Early Challenges
Rusev also shared how other WWE veterans helped sharpen his in-ring readiness. For example, Big Show’s blunt approach to match preparation was initially intimidating. Rusev recalled how the Big Show’s comment of simply
“seeing each other in the ring”
before matches was a source of nervousness given his immense size. However, this direct style taught Rusev to trust his instincts and experience.
“Even leading up to that with Mark Henry, with the Big Show, with all these veterans that I got to work with. Big Show would say, ‘Hey, I’ll see you in the ring.’ Like, that’s it? You’re just going to see me in the ring? Like, you’re 7-foot-2 and 500 pounds. But okay. I was so nervous. But all these veterans prepared me for that moment. And I’m very thankful for every single one of them,”
—Rusev, WWE Wrestler
This early guidance from established figures like Mark Henry and Big Show equipped Rusev with essential confidence and professionalism necessary for succeeding within WWE’s demanding environment.
Reflecting on Cena’s Most Impactful Lesson: Timing and Crowd Connection
After returning to WWE in 2025, Rusev hoped for another match against Cena but did not get the chance before Cena’s retirement as an active wrestler. Now serving as a WWE ambassador, Cena remains influential behind the scenes. When asked about the single most important lesson Cena taught him, Rusev emphasized the value of timing and learning to read the audience’s energy.
“There’s no such thing as a TV match and a live event match. Like, there’s no such thing as a bad crowd. If they’re not reacting, it’s because you’re not giving them what they want to see. Him listening, ‘Okay, is it high pitch? Is it low-pitch? Who’s out there tonight? What’s the vibe?’ He’s always there watching and learning the crowd as much as everything else… [You’ve] got to take your time and listen to the crowd. I think that’s the most important thing. Just listen to the crowd. They’ll tell you what to do.”
—Rusev, WWE Wrestler
This focus on pacing and crowd engagement remains a fundamental principle that Rusev now applies in his own wrestling style, showcasing the lasting influence Cena’s mentorship has had on his approach.
Rusev’s Recent WWE Activities and Future Endeavors
Since his return in 2025, Rusev has become a regular presence on WWE programming, including a notable rivalry with Sheamus that demonstrated his improved in-ring skills and character work. Additionally, Rusev has expanded his involvement in wrestling by launching Kech Pro Wrestling, his own training academy based in Nashville. This venture aims to cultivate new talent by sharing the professional standards and lessons he learned from legends like Cena, Mark Henry, and Big Show.
The Enduring Legacy of Wrestling Veterans on Rusev’s Career
Rusev’s story underscores how close work with revered wrestlers shapes emerging talent in WWE. His gratitude toward Cena and other veterans reflects the importance of mentorship in professional wrestling. By learning timing, crowd psychology, and adaptability, Rusev transformed into a well-rounded athlete with a promising future both inside and outside the ring. His ongoing contributions as a competitor and trainer promise to influence the next generation of wrestling stars.
