Rusev’s return to WWE in 2025 has electrified audiences, but behind his in-ring intensity lies a story of frustration and resilience. The Bulgarian Brute, once known as “Miro” during his tenure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has openly admitted that his renewed WWE run is directly motivated by five years he describes as “the dead time” a period marked by setbacks and uncertainty. In a candid conversation with NBA legend-turned-wrestling commentator Shaquille O’Neal, Rusev revealed that his current fire comes from the frustration of feeling undervalued and “a scary situation” in AEW that he says ultimately pushed him to wrestle harder than ever before[8].
The Return of the Bulgarian Brute
April 21, 2025, marked Rusev’s dramatic WWE comeback, storming the ring on Monday Night Raw to lay waste to Alpha Academy and sending the WWE Universe into a frenzy[2][3]. The event, broadcast to millions, signaled the re-emergence of a powerhouse who had been absent from WWE for years. His return, according to a WWE insider, “was months in the making, but the energy he brought was like nothing we’ve seen from him in years.”[2] Over the following months, Rusev’s raw aggression and work ethic became a talking point for fans and commentators alike, with many noting his noticeably changed demeanor inside the squared circle.
The “Dead Time”: From AEW Frustration to WWE Redemption
Rusev’s career took a dramatic turn after he departed WWE, reinventing himself as “Miro” in AEW. While initially touted as a major signing, his run there became mired in stop-start storylines and public frustrations. In his interview with Shaq, Rusev described this phase as “the dead time,” a period where he felt creatively stifled and professionally uncertain. “It was a scary situation,” he admitted, “where you question your place, your value, and what you represent as an athlete and entertainer.”[8]
Sources close to Rusev have indicated that morale during his AEW tenure was at times rock bottom. The wrestler was reportedly eager for more meaningful opportunities, but creative limitations and behind-the-scenes politics left him on the sidelines—a situation he described as “more mental than physical, and harder to come back from.” According to one backstage AEW source, “There were stretches where he was ready to go, but the creative just wasn’t there. It’s tough when you want to show what you can do and can’t get the chance.”
How Adversity Fueled Rusev’s WWE Comeback
Now back in WWE, Rusev has transformed frustration into motivation. “I’m not wasting a second,” Rusev said. “Every match, every promo, every opportunity I treat it like it’s my last. I learned the hard way how fast this career can slip out of your hands.” His renewed intensity has been impossible to ignore, with standout performances against top stars and a clear determination to reclaim his spot atop WWE’s card.
A WWE producer, speaking anonymously, said, “You can see it in every move he makes. There’s a chip on his shoulder, but he’s also channeling it the right way. The locker room respects the effort, and the fans are responding.”[2] This sentiment has been echoed by WWE commentators, who frequently highlight Rusev’s “second chapter” as one of the most compelling storylines of the year.
Rusev’s Highlight Reel: Championship Ambitions and John Cena’s Shadow
With his return comes the prospect of championship gold: Rusev is reportedly under consideration for the upcoming “The Last Time Is Now” tournament to determine John Cena’s farewell opponent[1]. This would be a full-circle moment for Rusev, who once feuded with Cena at the height of his early WWE career. “I don’t believe it,” Rusev said when asked about Cena’s retirement, hinting at his desire for one more showdown with the 16-time champion[1].
Rusev’s championship pedigree is already well-established he made history as WWE’s first Bulgarian-born champion and enjoyed a memorable reign as United States Champion, defending the title against the likes of Sheamus and John Cena[2]. Now, sources indicate that WWE is considering another major push for the Bulgarian Brute, with possible high-profile matches on the horizon.
The New Psychology of Rusev: Harder, Smarter, Hungrier
What’s clear is that Rusev’s approach to wrestling has fundamentally changed. Gone is the contented veteran; in his place is a wrestler with something to prove, not only to his employers but to himself. “I wrestle harder now because I have to,” Rusev told Shaq. “I know what it’s like to be on the outside looking in. I never want to feel that way again.”[8]
This renewed mindset has resonated with fans and peers. A WWE insider revealed, “He’s in early, leaves late, watches every match, and is always looking for ways to improve. He wants to be remembered as someone who came back stronger than ever.” This dedication has also brought a palpable sense of unpredictability to his matches, with Rusev willing to take risks he may have avoided earlier in his career.
What’s Next for Rusev in WWE?
With momentum on his side, Rusev’s WWE future looks bright. The “The Last Time Is Now” tournament could be a launchpad to a main-event run, and the possibility of a classic rematch with John Cena looms large[1]. Beyond that, WWE creative is reportedly considering additional championship opportunities and high-profile feuds to capitalize on Rusev’s white-hot return.
Perhaps most importantly, Rusev’s story serves as a lesson in perseverance for young talent and a reminder for veterans: setbacks can be transformed into comeback fuel. As Rusev himself put it, “Sometimes you need to lose your way to find your fire. Now I’m here, and I’m not letting go.”
Conclusion
Rusev’s WWE comeback is a testament to the power of resilience. The “scary situation” in AEW that left him sidelined and frustrated has become the catalyst for one of the most compelling returns in recent WWE history. With a renewed sense of purpose, a chip on his shoulder, and a locker room buzzing about his work ethic, Rusev is proving that sometimes the best chapters are written after the toughest times.
For wrestling fans, Rusev’s journey is a reminder that redemption is always possible and that the fire of a true competitor never truly fades[8].