Rusev made his return to WWE during the first RAW after WrestleMania 41, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The wrestler interrupted a segment featuring Otis and Akira Tozawa, members of the Alpha Academy, just before they challenged The New Day for the World Tag Team Championship.
In a video posted on WWE’s social media following the segment, Rusev stated:
It’s been five long years, but I’m finally back where I belong. This time, I’m taking everything that’s rightfully mine.
Rusev was released by AEW in February after spending over a year inactive. He had joined the company in 2020 under the ring name Miro and had a reign as TNT Champion.
Reports indicate that he had disagreements with AEW CEO Tony Khan. Rusev was rarely used in 2023 and did not appear at all in 2024.
Initial expectations suggest that Lana (CJ Perry), Rusev’s wife, will not return to WWE alongside him.
