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BREAKING: Rusev Makes Return On WWE Raw And Destroys Alpha Academy

Rusev is back in WWE. The former United States Champion destroyed the Alpha Academy on Monday night Raw
Rick Ucchino|
Rusev (Miro) making his entrance at AEW Worlds End (2023)
Rusev (Miro) making his entrance at AEW Worlds End (2023) | Lee South - All Elite Wrestling

The Bulgarian Brute is back in WWE!

Just days after Big E made the official announcement that he had re-signed with the company, Rusev returned to television on the Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania 41.

Rusev interrupted a segment between the New Day and The Alpha Academy. Otis and Tozawa were looking for a shot at the newly won World Tag Team Champions of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, but Rusev's new music hit before the ref could ring the bell.

The T-Mobile Arena lost it's collective mind for the Redeemer, who made his way to the ring and destroyed both members of the Alpha Academy. The New Day fled the ring and were able to escape his wrath.

It has been quite some time since the former United States Champion made an appearance for a major wrestling promotion. Rusev had been under contract with All Elite Wrestling, where he competed under the name Miro, since the fall of 2020. He ended up sitting out months of action due to reported creative differences with those in charge.

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Rusev last wrestled for AEW at World's End 2023 where he defeated Andrade El Idolo. His only other official match between then and now was against Alberto El Patron at QPW Super Slam III back in February. He lost via disqualification.

That match took place about a week or so after Rusev had been granted his release from AEW. He now joins Ricky Saints, Penta and Rey Fenix in making the jump to WWE in recent months and Aleister Black is highly expected to make his own re-debut this Friday night on SmackDown.

Rusev's return Monday night ends a five year absence from WWE. After spending over a decade with company, with a fair amount of success, he was released in April of 2020 due to budget cuts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Rick Ucchino
RICK UCCHINO

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com

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