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.
Cody Rhodes on His In-Ring Wrestling Career Future, The “Irony” of Him Being The Face of WWE, & Him Being Proud How He Handled WrestleMania 42
Cody Rhodes on There Has Been “Semi-Serious Talks” About Brandi Rhodes Being Brought Back To WWE, Him Taking A Break From WWE Has Been “Advised Across The Board”, Him Enjoying House Shows As Much As A WrestleMania Main Event, His Story with The Rock Being Unfinished, & More
WWE NXT Results – June 23, 2026 – NXT Women’s & NXT Titles Matches Contract Signings, Aaron Rourke vs. Tristan Angels
