Rusev Reveals What His Main Goal Is In Current WWE Run

  rusev-reveals-what-his-main-goal-is-in-current-wwe-run.html
  Media and Entertainment on Tue, Sep 09th, 2025 by Sports Illustrated

Rusev Sets His Sights on Main‑Event Glory in a New WWE Run

After a whirlwind year of reinvention, former Bulgarian Brutes star Rusev (real name Svetoslav Kovachev) has laid out a clear vision for his current stint in WWE. In a candid interview that made the rounds on the fan‑centric sports site, the 6‑foot‑7‑inch power‑house revealed that his “biggest goal” is to cement his place in the main‑event lineup, a quest that could see him challenge for the company’s flagship titles.

The Interview

Rusev appeared on the WWE Network special “The Big Show Show,” a segment that has become the go‑to platform for wrestlers to speak off‑camera. The veteran explained that the past year had been a period of growth, a time when he “got to learn new ways to connect with the crowd and show the world that he’s a force to be reckoned with.” When asked what he sees as his overarching aim, he answered, “My main goal is to get to the top of the card. I want to be a main‑event wrestler, to stand in the ring with the biggest names, and I want to earn a title shot.”

The wrestler was quick to note that ambition is only the first step; Rusev stressed the importance of hard work, training, and a willingness to “put on a show.” “I’m ready to bring everything I’ve got – both my strength and my heart,” he said. “I want the crowd to see that I’m not just a big guy; I’m a competitor.”

The interview drew a wave of positive fan responses on Twitter and Instagram. Rusev’s own posts, which included behind‑the‑scenes footage from the Raw arena, received thousands of likes and retweets. Commentators on Reddit’s r/WWE discussed how the wrestler’s newfound confidence could translate into a meaningful storyline with the likes of Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley, or even a surprise feud with a brand‑new face talent.

From The Bulgarian Brutes to The New Rusev

Rusev’s journey to this point is rooted in his earlier days in WWE. After debuting in 2012 as part of the villainous duo The Bulgarian Brutes with John Morrison, Rusev found himself in a high‑profile feud with the likes of CM Punk and The Shield. The brand‑shattering storyline that saw him “steal” the Intercontinental Championship from Dolph Ziggler—though ultimately reversed—remained a career‑highlight that set the stage for a future in the main event.

After a brief stint on the independent circuit and a release in 2014, Rusev returned in 2017 and reinvented himself as a face wrestler, adopting a more upbeat and charismatic persona. While he never captured a WWE title, his resilience kept him in the mix, culminating in a high‑profile match at SummerSlam 2023 against Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. Although he came up short, the bout cemented his place as a top mid‑card talent and a serious contender for a main‑event spotlight.

The recent interview suggests that Rusev has fully embraced the second act of his career. He talked about the importance of “working the promo,” “building the crowd around you,” and “making every match count.” Rusev’s message resonates with a brand that has historically relied on larger‑than‑life characters to fill the main event slot.

Potential Paths to a Title Shot

There are a number of possible routes Rusev could take to achieve his goals. One path is a push to the WWE Championship. Reigns, who has dominated the WWE brand for years, could find a credible challenger in Rusev if the two were paired in a story that built on their physicality and crowd presence. Alternatively, Rusev could aim for the Universal Championship, a title that sits on the same level as the WWE Championship but carries a different legacy.

Another angle would involve a feud with a rising star. WWE’s current landscape is ripe with talent—whether it be the likes of Jey Uso, who has proven his dominance in the tag‑team division, or a younger face such as Bronson Reed or Finn Bálor. A narrative that pits Rusev against a younger talent could generate a compelling “old‑school versus new‑school” storyline, something that would resonate with long‑time fans and newcomers alike.

The independent champion also expressed an openness to the United States or Intercontinental Championships, both of which would serve as stepping‑stones toward a main‑event future. WWE’s booking history suggests that wrestlers who capture mid‑card titles can rapidly climb the ranks, especially when combined with a charismatic promo style and strong in‑ring work.

The Bigger Picture: WWE’s Brand Needs

WWE’s Raw brand has been in a state of flux since the brand split was reinstated in 2019. The company has been experimenting with a mix of legacy wrestlers, mid‑card talent, and rising stars. Rusev’s return to the brand and his expressed ambition fill a niche: a veteran who can carry a story, engage the crowd, and potentially be a credible threat to the top wrestlers. According to the article, WWE’s creative team appears receptive to the idea, hinting at a storyline that would showcase Rusev’s “raw power” and “dedication.”

This narrative aligns with a broader strategy of re‑introducing fan‑favorites and elevating them in a fresh context. Rusev’s willingness to adapt, learn, and commit to a main‑event trajectory has earned him both respect and a solid fan base. As such, his upcoming matches are expected to be watched with particular attention, with many hoping he will earn a title shot and finally achieve the apex of his career.

A Message to the Fans

At the end of the interview, Rusev thanked the fans for their support. He noted that the journey to the top “doesn’t happen alone.” “I’m doing this for all the people who’ve watched me for years and who continue to cheer me on,” he said. The message is clear: Rusev is determined to turn his long‑suffering ambition into a reality, and the WWE world—and its millions of viewers—are watching to see how this new chapter unfolds.