wrestling / Columns

Rusev & Lana: WWE’s Latest Wasted Opportunity

May 27, 2015 | Posted by Greg De Marco

Has the WWE wasted another golden opportunity with the split of Rusev and Lana? 411Mania’s Greg DeMarco thinks so, and details why…

At the 2014 Royal Rumble, a new “evil foreigner” made his WWE debut. This time around it was Alexander Rusev (later shortened to Rusev), who had the absolutely stunning Lana by his side. It took four wrestlers to eliminate the Bulgarian Brute, and it was apparent that the WWE had a new monster on the roster.

From then until April, Rusev & Lana had their main roster involvement reduced to video packages, but you could tell that something was looming. It seemed like the big man was poised to make an impact when he returned. That return happened during April 6, 2014’s RawAfterMania, in a squash against Zack Ryder.

In the early days, there were two things that really set Rusev apart: his in-ring style, and his Lana.

In the ring, Rusev lived up to the “Bulgarian Brute” moniker. He was a bruiser, destroying his opponents with strikes that often showcased the impressive agility possessed by a man his size. It was quickly apparent that the 6-foot, 300-pounder was more than just another “Vince McMahon Big Guy.”

The other factor in Rusev’s early success was, of course, Lana. The actress-turned-WWE-Diva immediately set the world on fire—not only with her looks, but with her ability to deliver a promo in a perfect Russian accent and get the crowd worked into a frenzy in volumes not seen since Vickie Guerrero’s heyday.

As Rusev’s career progressed, the “Russia” dial was quickly turned to 11. Vladimir Putin frequently adorned the Titan-Tron, and Rusev was given a medal celebrating him as a Hero of the Russian Federation.

Rusev’s medal is a large replica of the real deal—the Hero of the Russian Federation is a pin-on medal given out at the discretion of the Federation president for “service to the Russian state and nation, usually connected with a heroic feat of valor.” The award was first given in 1992, to cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev. The award’s roots date all the way back to the 1934 creation of the original “Hero of Russia” star. It’s been awarded to over 970 people in 23 years—that’s 42 per year and 3.5 per month. Basically, do something that pleases the president and you get one. Possibly even just getting him coffee.

While Rusev remained undefeated until his loss to John Cena at WrestleMania 31, he was handed his first “moral loss” at the hands of The Rock on the October 6, 2014 episode of Monday Night Raw. Some were quick to point this as a downturn, but Rusev continued his upward trajectory.

Winning the United States Championship in November was huge for both Rusev and Lana. You had a Bulgarian born Russian ally, complete with a beautiful Russian mouthpiece, holding the championship of the United States of America, with a giant Russian flag handing in the background. This was far better than a feud with Jack Swagger, and was the perfect follow-up to their interactions with The Rock.

Rusev continued his tear through the roster, finishing second in the 2015 Royal Rumble, which was won by Roman Reigns. He even defeated John Cena at WWE FastLane, albeit via pass out to the Accolade and after a low blow.

That brings us to WrestleMania, where John Cena defeated Rusev to capture the United States Championship. Rusev had already kicked Lana to the curb once for making the WrestleMania match, and he wasn’t pleased with her involvement in the Santa Clara showdown, either.

Cena would go on to defeat Rusev at Extreme Rules, in a Russian Chain Match. This set the stage for Rusev vs. John Cena, for the United States Championship at WWE Payback. The stakes were raised as this was an I-Quit Match, two words you couldn’t imagine either Rusev or Cena uttering at any point in their WWE career.

Cena and Rusev put on a brutal classic, beating the ever living hell out of each other for nearly 30-minutes, the longest match on the card. The end came with Cena locked in the STF, with an assist from the ring rope that Rusev himself removed earlier in the match.

Rusev spoke on the mic, but it was in Bulgarian and the referee (along with Cena, the announcers, the crowd, me, and everyone watching at home) had no clue what he was saying. Lana eventually got into the ring and informed the world that Rusev had quit.

This of course led to the break-up of Rusev and Lana the next night on Raw, and the new pairing of Lana and Dolph Ziggler.

The once dominant and demanding Lana was now suddenly acting like a giddy school girl, with Ziggler giving off the “along for the ride” vibe and Rusev as the jealous ex-lover. Of course the WWE never explored the real-life relationship between Rusev and Lana, taking away a huge portion of the meaning this split could have. It seems forced, and all three performers—amazing in their own ways—now seems out of their element and headed in what can only be called a weird direction.

The worst part of all this is what could have been…

Lana was quickly becoming a babyface thanks to the WWE Universe, cheering her every move as the tension mounted between her and Rusev. John Cena’s defense at Payback had to end with someone saying “I Quit,” and it would have been easy to force Cena to say he quits to prevent Rusev from hurting Lana. Of course this would all be one giant swerve by the Russian Power Couple.

The potential here was enormous. 411Mania commenter PJ_Almighty42 termed the potential heat as “nuclear,” and that phrase couldn’t be more right. Using Cena’s emotions against him, for the benefit of Rusev, Lana, and indirectly the Russian Federation, could have launched Rusev into the stratosphere. He could have feuded with the likes of Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose or, still, Dolph Ziggler. He’d be a major player.

Instead, Rusev has lost everything that made him special. He’s no longer Russian, he’s back to being Bulgarian. No more Russian flag, no more “Hero of the Russian Federation” distinction. And most importantly, no Lana. The two episodes since Payback haven’t done Rusev any favors, either. He hasn’t gained back one iota of what he’s lost. One Accolade to Ziggler doesn’t help this problem—his balls have completely been cut off.

As for Lana, she has lost everything as well. She’s no longer infatuated with Vladimir Putin, she’s infatuated with a favorite son of the country she once despised. She’s no longer dominant and demanding, she’s giggly and awkward.

I know the WWE sees big things in Lana, but I feel like they pulled the trigger too soon on her split from Rusev. I’m not 100% certain Lana is going to become the iconic female the WWE sees her to be. She had that potential, but what made her special has seemingly been taken away.

And Rusev didn’t actually lose everything. While all of the style is gone, he still has the substance. His in-ring style and ability hasn’t changed—he’s still a credible force inside the squared circle.

I don’t have the magic formula to “fix” Lana. But I do think there is a three word solution to what I now call “The Rusev Problem…”

Paul. Heyman. Guy.

Several images courtesy WWE.com and the WWE YouTube Channel.

Stay tuned Greg DeMarco’s Bold Predictions for WWE Elimination Chamber this weekend, right here at 411Mania.com!

Greg DeMarco is a wrestling fan of over 30 years and has worked on the independent circuit as a promoter, announcer, character and booker. Greg is a featured contributor at 411Mania.com, applying his opinionated style to the world of pro wrestling as often as possible.

He began writing for 411Mania in October 2010 and has been pissing readers off ever since!

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article topics :

Lana, Miro, WWE, Greg De Marco