In a recent interview, WWE Superstar Rusev opened up about his tumultuous storyline with Bobby Lashley, which saw him lose his wife, Lana, to the All Mighty One. The plot twist, which unfolded in September 2019, left fans reeling and sparked a heated feud between the two wrestlers. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, Rusev shares his thoughts on the saga and what he took away from it.
A Uncomfortable yet Familiar Role
Rusev’s character was put through the wringer as he struggled to come to terms with the loss of his wife to Lashley. The storyline, which was a significant departure from his usual persona as a proud and confident Bulgarian brute, tested the wrestler’s acting chops and forced him to tap into new emotions.
“It was a challenging experience, but I think that’s what made it so interesting,” Rusev said in an interview with a prominent wrestling publication. “Playing the role of a heartbroken husband was not something I was used to, but it allowed me to explore new facets of my character and connect with the audience on a deeper level.”
A Complex Dynamic with Bobby Lashley
The romance storyline between Lana and Bobby Lashley was a divisive topic among fans, with some hailing it as a bold and refreshing twist, while others found it to be a jarring and uncomfortable watch. Rusev, however, seems to have taken a more measured approach to the situation, acknowledging the complexity of the dynamic between the two wrestlers.
“Bobby and I have a long history, both in and out of the ring,” Rusev explained. “We’ve had our share of battles over the years, but this storyline was different. It was a personal and emotional exchange, and I think that added a layer of depth to our feud.”
A Tough Pill to Swallow
While Rusev has come to terms with the storyline, he admitted that it wasn’t his favorite to work with. The emotional toll of playing a heartbroken husband took its toll, and he found it difficult to disconnect from the character outside of the ring.
“It was not my favorite story to be a part of,” Rusev candidly admitted. “But I understood the context and the direction the storyline was heading. It was a risk, but it paid off in the end, and I think it helped to take our feud to the next level.”
A Valuable Lesson Learned
In the aftermath of the storyline, Rusev has come away with a valuable lesson about the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and embracing new challenges. The experience has also given him a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling in professional wrestling.
“It taught me that, as a wrestler, you have to be willing to take risks and try new things,” Rusev reflected. “You never know what’s going to work and what’s not, but that’s what makes it so exciting. And, in the end, it’s all about telling a compelling story that resonates with the audience.”
A New Chapter for Rusev
As Rusev looks to the future, he’s focusing on rebuilding his character and finding new ways to connect with fans. With a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the importance of storytelling, he’s ready to take on whatever challenges come his way.
“I’m excited to see where this new chapter takes me,” Rusev said with a hint of optimism. “I’m looking forward to experimenting with new characters and storylines, and I’m confident that I’ll continue to grow and evolve as a wrestler.”
With his candid reflections on the Bobby Lashley feud, Rusev has given fans a glimpse into the mind of a wrestler who’s not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of professional wrestling. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, one thing is certain: Rusev will continue to captivate audiences with his unwavering passion and dedication to the art of storytelling.