Rusev Explains Why He Decided To Leave ALL ELITE WRESTLING

Rusev Explains Why He Decided To Leave ALL ELITE WRESTLING

The former TNT Champion finally talks about his departure from AEW and Rusev explains why he chose to leave his former employer and come back home to WWE.

By EliteGuy101 - Sep 01, 2025 01:09 AM EST
Filed Under: AEW
Source: Sports Illustrated

Rusev is the best in the world.

When Rusev came into AEW in 2020, many thought he was going to be a certified star. Rusev did start slow, but once he became the TNT Champion, fans recognized the old WWE star that many deemed as the future WWE Champion. Then Rusev dropped the title.

Things just weren’t right with Rusev after he lost the TNT title to Sammy Guevara. The former AEW star had matches here and there until a second injury in 2023 put him on the shelf. Rusev’s last match in AEW was at World’s End in December 2023. 

The former TNT Champion disappeared from AEW television. First it was due to injury then it became creative had nothing for him, according to the reports. After being on the sidelines for over a year, Rusev was finally released from AEW contract. 

Reportedly, Rusev requested his release. The former AEW star has been quiet over the situation until now. Rusev sat down and talked to Denise Salcedo of Instinct Culture, he explained why he decided to leave AEW and apparently, it’s because he’s the best in the world.

“I learned that I’m the best in the world... I beat up quite a few people and I gained my confidence way more than I had before in WWE," Rusev said. "What I’ve been taught by John Cena, by the Big Show, by all these great, amazing superstars that I fought in WWE, I had to put to the test when I was in AEW. I had to use everything I’ve learned. After I did that, after I experimented, after I saw that I’m the best one there, I thought it was time to come back, no doubt, because I still have the goal to be a World Heavyweight Champion here in WWE.”

Could Rusev become a world champion in WWE?

His big win over Sheamus at Clash in Paris could certainly lead him down that direction. Him and Sheamus had a great match at the Clash pay-per-view and hopefully, it leads to some big things for the former WWE United States Champion. 

It would’ve been great if Rusev went in deeper about what happened during his AEW run such as him being out for over a year before his official release. He may never answer that question, but it’s certainly a fascinating one especially with all of the rumors surrounding why he didn’t return to television. 

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