A familiar face made his unexpected WWE comeback during Monday’s RAW broadcast from Las Vegas. Rusev appeared on WWE programming for the first time since his 2020 departure, interrupting a scheduled tag team championship match.
The surprising return occurred as New Day and Alpha Academy were set to square off for the tag team titles. Before the match could begin, the arena went dark momentarily. When the lights returned, Rusev stood in the arena with new entrance music playing. New Day quickly vacated the ring area while Alpha Academy remained to confront the returning superstar.
Rusev wasted no time making an impact, launching an attack on both Alpha Academy members. The assault culminated with Rusev applying his Accolade finishing move on Otis, signaling his position as a villainous character in his new WWE run.
This appearance marks Rusev’s first WWE showing following his five-year absence from the company. During that period, he competed in AEW as Miro until late 2023. His AEW contract officially concluded in February 2025, with his WWE signing occurring shortly thereafter.
The timing of Rusev’s return during the post-WrestleMania 41 episode of Raw suggests significant plans for the performer in this new chapter of his WWE career.
