In a year already packed with seismic shifts in the wrestling world, the return of Rusev to WWE after his high-profile AEW run stands as one of 2025’s most talked-about stories. AEW President Tony Khan has now publicly addressed the circumstances of the former TNT Champion’s departure, offering candid insight into what led to the split and why he wishes Rusev well in his new WWE chapter.
Rusev’s AEW Run: Promise, Frustration, and Creative Differences
Rusev, known as Miro during his time in AEW, joined Tony Khan’s upstart promotion in 2020 with considerable fanfare. He quickly captured the TNT Championship and seemed poised to be a long-term fixture in AEW’s upper card. However, by late 2023, Rusev’s appearances had dwindled. His final AEW match came at the Worlds End event on December 30, 2023, where he defeated Andrade El Idolo in what would prove his swan song for the company[2].
Despite being healthy, Rusev remained absent from AEW television for over a year, fueling rumors about injury, attitude issues, and backstage politics. However, Tony Khan has now set the record straight: the split was not about discipline or fitness, but a matter of creative vision[2][5].
“Miro is a great wrestler. He was great in AEW, he was a TNT Champion. I think he and I just had, at times, different visions of things, but that’s okay because everyone’s entitled to different opinions and different ideas,” Khan explained in a recent interview[3][5].
According to sources close to the situation, Rusev was vocal about his desire for more compelling storylines and consistent in-ring action. He reportedly felt underutilized, especially after his championship reign, and sought greater creative input. Meanwhile, AEW’s creative team had different plans, leading to a professional stalemate[2][4].
From Absence to Exit: Rusev’s Departure from AEW
The impasse ultimately led Rusev to request his release in the fall of 2024. After months of negotiation, AEW granted his release in February 2025[5]. Despite the challenges, the decision appears to have been mutual and respectful.
“We just kind of drifted into some different ideas of what we should be doing, and that’s okay,” Tony Khan reflected. “He’d worked in WWE before and that clearly was a good experience for him, so he was excited to go back, and he did go back. I wish him the best. That must make sense for him and that must be why he wanted to do it”[3][4].
This sentiment was echoed backstage. According to a WWE insider, “There was never any bad blood. Rusev left AEW with his head held high and respect from the locker room. He made it clear he wanted to wrestle, not sit on the sidelines. WWE was ready to give him that platform again.”
Addressing the Rumors: Rusev’s Side of the Story
Speculation swirled that Rusev’s inactivity in AEW was due to a refusal to lose matches or adjust to certain creative directions. In a recent interview, Rusev firmly denied those claims, stating, “Losing is part of the business. I never had a problem with that. What bothered me was not being able to do what I love—compete in the ring and tell stories that matter to the fans”[1][4][7].
Rusev elaborated on the personal toll of his AEW hiatus, saying he used the time to reflect and refine his in-ring persona. “I had to dig deep inside myself to find out who I am and what I want to stand for. That’s how the ‘Redeemer’ character was born,” Rusev shared[1]. However, despite these efforts, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his talents were being underutilized.
The WWE Return: A Triumphant Homecoming
Rusev’s WWE comeback was orchestrated with maximum impact. On the Raw after WrestleMania 41 (April 21, 2025), he re-emerged to a thunderous ovation, immediately targeting Chad Gable and Otis of Alpha Academy in a dominant display[2]. WWE’s booking made it clear: Rusev was back, and this time, he would be a major player.
Since his return, Rusev has advanced in the high-stakes “Last Time Is Now” tournament to determine John Cena’s final opponent, signaling WWE’s intent to feature him in marquee storylines[2].
A source close to Cody Rhodes revealed, “Rusev’s return lit a fire backstage. He’s hungry, motivated, and ready to prove why he belongs in the main event. The locker room respects how he handled his AEW exit. There’s a sense that he has unfinished business here.”
Industry Reaction: Respect and Well Wishes
Tony Khan’s public comments have been surprisingly gracious, especially given the often-contentious nature of wrestling departures. By acknowledging their creative differences and wishing Rusev well, Khan has set a tone of maturity and respect that’s resonated across the industry[3][5].
Wrestling analysts note that such amicable splits are increasingly common as talent seek environments that align with their professional goals. Rusev’s journey—marked by championship wins, reinvention, and now a second shot at WWE glory—illustrates the evolving landscape of wrestler mobility and creative freedom.
What’s Next for Rusev in WWE?
With his AEW chapter closed, Rusev’s focus is now squarely on making the most of his WWE return. His dominant performances and renewed intensity have amplified speculation that a championship run could be in the cards before year’s end.
Fans and insiders alike are watching closely to see how WWE leverages Rusev’s momentum. As one veteran WWE producer put it, “Rusev is a top-tier talent with a chip on his shoulder. Give him the right story and there’s no limit to what he can accomplish.”
Final Thoughts
The story of Rusev’s departure from AEW and return to WWE is a reminder that, in wrestling, creative vision and opportunity often outweigh loyalty to any single brand. Tony Khan’s openness about their “different ideas” and his well wishes for Rusev in WWE underscore a new era of professionalism—and perhaps, friendly rivalry—between wrestling’s two biggest promotions.
As Rusev embarks on this next chapter, the wrestling world waits with anticipation to see if his WWE homecoming will cement his legacy as one of the sport’s true main-event forces.