Rusev now portrays a completely different character to the one he debuted back in 2014 and over the past year and a half, his "Rusev Day" gimmick has helped transform him into one of WWE's hottest stars. However, in a new interview, the Bulgarian Brute and current United States Champion reveals that the entire concept was supposed to be a one-off before fans embraced it in an unexpected way.
"It was supposed to be a one off, just a celebration after I beat Randy Orton and that was it," Rusev explained. "A few weeks after I was going "Rusev Day, Rusev Day" and people really started digging it, even in the backstage with the New Day and with Aiden signing "Rusev Day" helped. People just got it and loved the whole concept and it became really big."
Asked what it's like to portray a popular babyface after playing a hated foreign heel for such a long time, he added: "I went from being the most hated or one of the most hated to now being praised. I loved being both." It's a shame that Rusev is being relegated to the Kickoff show on Sunday but here's hoping he gets to carry the title through to WrestleMania for a big money match. Stay tuned.