Rusev has been off of WWE TV for the past couple of weeks because of a contract dispute, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
He last appeared on the January 20 Raw, when he and Liv Morgan lost a mixed tag match against Lashley and Lana.
This past Monday on Raw, Lana and Lashley were kept apart, not accompanying each other during their matches, and there was no real mention of the Rusev/Lana/Lashley angle.
It’s not clear when Rusev’s WWE contract expires. Back in June of last year, Dave Meltzer said that it was set to expire “soon.” In November, Lana signed a five year contract extension with WWE and it was reported that Rusev was also still in contract negotiations.
Rusev was off of WWE TV for over three months this past summer and rumors were that it also had to do with contract negotiations.

Backstage Update on Bayley’s Current WWE Status & Contract
7/25 AAA Verano de Escándalo 2026 Week 1 Show Notes: Damián 666 Appears, La Hiedra & Laredo Kid Wins AAA Mixed Tag Titles, Penta Appearance Set for 8/15 AAA TV Show, Dominik Mysterio Walks Out on El Grande El Americano & Joins Dorian Roldan’s Group, Week 2 Show Card
Various: Nikki Storm (Nikki Cross) Makes Surprise In-Ring Appearance at 7/23 OTT After Dark Event, Dark Side of the Ring Ratings for 7/14, Indies/Misc.




