As previously reported, Rusev was backstage during Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown but was not used for the show. Rusev was traded to the brand as part of WWE’s Superstar Shakeup but has made only one non-wrestling appearance while recovering from a shoulder injury suffered earlier in the year.
It is now being advertised that Rusev will be making his in-ring debut on SmackDown brand house shows starting this Sunday, June 25th in Everett WA in a 3-way match for the United States Championship against Kevin Owens and Mojo Rawley. Rusev is also being advertised for the next night’s house show in Bakersfield, CA, where he’ll take on Kevin Owens and Shinsuke Nakamura.
8/6 ROH TV Notes: Tehuti Miles Joins Shane Taylor Promotions, Preston Vance Gets Kicked Out of Frat House & Reunites with Dark Order
MVP on His In-Ring Wrestling Career Future & Likelihood of Having His Last Match in 2027
WWE: Chelsea Green on Triple H Comparing Her Character’s Organic Rise in WWE to Daniel Bryan & Kofi Kingston, Shiloh Hill Maxilla Fracture Injury Update, Oba Femi Advertised For 8/21 WWE SmackDown Show in Toronto, NXT Heatwave 2026 Official Poster Released
