WWE has re-signed former United States Champion Rusev. The former champion, also known as Miro in AEW, left the WWE in 2020. He was an active competitor for the WWE from 2010 to 2020. Since 2021, Rusev thought the grass may be greener at the newly formed AEW. He recently asked for his release from the company in February 2025. It is not a huge surprise that Paul “Triple H” Levesque would bring the “Bulgarian Brute” back to the company where he got his start.

Rusev Heading Back to WWE

The former 3-time United States Champion will be returning to WWE after a 5-year hiatus. Rusev had some success at the beginning of his AEW run, becoming the TNT Champion. Rusev was part of a group of guys who were released or left WWE and signed with the competition. It seemed at one point that AEW would debut a former WWE superstar almost weekly. Rusev/Miro received a huge push at the beginning of his arrival but cooled off quickly. He seemed to get lost in the mix pretty quickly.

Rusev’s first run with the company was highly successful. Having feuds with John Cena, Bobby Lashley, and others put Rusev at the top of the card on many occasions. He was also the runner-up in the Royal Rumble match, losing to Roman Reigns when most non-NXT fans didn’t even know his name.

Final Thoughts

This is a great signing for WWE. Rusev was completely underutilized in AEW. We could see endless matchups with the “Bulgarian Brute” returning home. He can go after the “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes. A battle with the “Ring General” Gunther would be epic. What about an Intercontinental Championship program with Bron Breaker? Or does he come and try to end the “Yeet” movement? Today is April 2nd, but wrestling fans may wish you a “Happy Rusev Day!”