Rusev Details Return to WWE, Cites Stacked Roster and Love of the “Grind”
Former WWE Champion Rusev, now competing as Miro elsewhere, explained the motivations behind his return to the company in 2025, emphasizing a desire to test himself against a highly competitive roster and a rekindled appreciation for the demanding schedule of professional wrestling. The Bulgarian-American wrestler rejoined WWE on the episode of Monday Night RAW, immediately making an impact by attacking Alpha Academy.
Speaking on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Rusev articulated his eagerness to face top-tier opponents. “I wanted to wrestle. I wanted to mix it up with the best. I know that the roster is stacked. I don’t remember the last time it was this stacked, but I just want to mix it [up] with everybody,” he said. This sentiment suggests a key factor in his decision was the perceived improvement in WWE’s talent pool since his departure in 2020.
Beyond the competitive aspect, Rusev expressed a fondness for the extensive travel and rigorous routine that characterized his early career. He specifically highlighted the appeal of WWE’s international tours. “I wanted to wrestle more and more, and all these European tours and everything. I love all that, I love the grind,” he stated. This reveals a surprising preference for the lifestyle often considered grueling by performers.
Rusev’s comments offer a glimpse into the realities of professional wrestling beyond the televised spectacle. He recalled a time when wrestlers routinely spent five days a week on the road, traveling between towns and performing night after night. “Because when we first started, we were five days on the road, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, you go home Wednesday, you’re out on the road again on Friday. And that’s just how life was, as hard as it was, that’s how you get better, just by putting in the work,” he explained. He believes this constant exposure to different environments and opponents is crucial for honing one’s skills.
The wrestler contrasted this traditional schedule with a more modern approach, suggesting that the relentless travel and frequent performances of the past fostered a level of professionalism and resilience that is harder to cultivate today. “Now the people can only hear about that and be like, Oh, really, that’s what it was. It was so cool. Wrestling, getting beaten up, getting the rental car driving three hours to the next down, getting the hotel, waking up, working out, doing the same thing, makes you feel like a real professional wrestler. I missed the grind,” Rusev said.
Rusev’s journey back to WWE was not a straightforward one. He acknowledged being “fired” during the pandemic, a period that prompted him to explore other opportunities. He leveraged a three-month non-compete clause to build a following on Twitch, streaming video games and engaging with fans. This digital venture proved successful, allowing him to maintain a connection with his audience and generate income.
Following his time on Twitch, Rusev signed with AEW, initially seeking a short-term contract to assess the promotion’s environment. He ultimately signed a longer deal, but eventually requested and received his release to return to WWE. “The same thing. I just wanted a short contract, just to feel them out. Everything was great, signed a bigger contract. Did I ever think I was going to come back to WWE if I wanted to? I really meant that if I wanted to. If I didn’t want to, I didn’t have to come back. But I love WWE. I love what they’ve made for me, and I love how they’ve taught me since I was a young kid. And I just love the organization,” he explained, revealing a deep-seated loyalty to the company that initially brought him to prominence.
Upon his return in 2025, Rusev engaged in a rivalry with Sheamus, culminating in a “Donnybrook Brawl” at Clash in Paris. More recently, he had been absent from television since a match against Jey Uso in November 2025, before WWE began teasing a potential program with Oba Femi. While his initial momentum appeared to stall, the company had previously indicated significant plans for his return, including a potential run to the King of the Ring title and a championship match against Uso, plans that ultimately did not materialize, according to reports from Wrestling Observer Radio.
Despite a reported “disappointment” with his initial push following his return, Rusev’s comments underscore his enduring passion for professional wrestling and his desire to compete at the highest level. His willingness to embrace the challenges of the road and his appreciation for the traditions of the industry suggest a commitment that extends beyond simply performing for a crowd.
