Rusev has denied a report that WWE plans to place him in a stable with Ethan Page and Big Cass, stating he has not been informed of such plans and expressing reluctance about the idea.
Speaking on TMZ’s Inside the Ring, Rusev said nobody in WWE has told him about the reported faction. “It’s very internet booking. We have one, two, three bad guys, let’s put them together. I have not heard anything about this, but also, I don’t know if I’m okay with that either,” Rusev said. He added that Page moved on to Big Cass while Rusev was sidelined with injury and illness, and he did not appreciate not being contacted. “Like, ‘F you, bro. You never called me, checked on me. You’re just gonna go and find yourself a big guy? Good for you. I don’t wanna be associated with that.'”
Rusev acknowledged that plans in WWE can change rapidly. “Also, because someone said that they could have been greenlit on Tuesday, but by the time Wednesday night comes, everything could be scrapped. Everything is changing by the hour and day,” he said.
Before his absence, Rusev had been teaming with Page on Raw and took part in the number one contender’s gauntlet for the Intercontinental Championship in July. With Rusev pushing back on the faction idea, several alternative directions have been suggested for his return.
Feud With Ethan Page
Rusev’s own comments set up a personal feud with Page, who aligned with Big Cass during Rusev’s absence. Turning that storyline into a television program would give Rusev an immediate rivalry and a path to a babyface turn, recalling his popular “Rusev Day” run in 2017 and 2018.
Chase the Intercontinental Championship
Chad Gable has held the Intercontinental Championship since defeating Penta at SummerSlam in August, with several successful defenses on Raw. Page has also been involved in that title picture, standing over Gable with the belt on the October 19 episode of Raw. Rusev participated in the gauntlet that determined Gable’s title shot but has not received a singles opportunity for the championship. A program between Rusev and Gable would contrast styles, with Gable’s technical wrestling against Rusev’s size and power.
Move to SmackDown for a United States Title Run
Rusev is a former three-time United States Champion, and the title is currently held by Trick Williams. A move to SmackDown would provide fresh opponents and a clear goal. A Rusev vs. Williams match would be a physical heavyweight contest and could reestablish Rusev as a top midcard star.
Big-Man Program With Oba Femi
Oba Femi is one of the top rising stars on Raw and is not advertised for Crown Jewel. A program with Rusev would give Femi a strong opponent on his way toward a reported match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 43. Rusev’s size and experience could help elevate Femi, with matches expected to be hard-hitting heavyweight battles.
