Rusev Vs Swagger II? Or who should've been fed to Rusev?

[MartialHorror]

So Rusev is feuding with Swagger again, which I'm not too thrilled about. I already feel that the AGM angle is too similar to the Authority, except it's worse. But now they are outright recycling a feud that only happened a few months ago.

The good news is that Swagger brought the best out of Rusev in the ring. The bad, beyond the lack of originality, is that Swagger doesn't have the momentum he had back then. When he made his face turn and challenged Rusev, it suddenly made him important. But then he had a boring quasi-feud with Bo Dallas that arguably derailed both of their careers and for some reason it only took two curb stomps to eliminate him from being part of Team Cena...even though he later showed up at Survivor Series anyway...

So even though I like Swagger, I personally don't care about the sequel to this feud...even if it was probably Rusev's best storyline in the WWE.

But...who else is there? Rusev has seemingly beaten everyone...Or has he? I think there are plenty of feuds that could benefit him. Personally, I would've fed him Rowan. The "I don't like bullies" line would've made a little more sense and honestly, Rowan isn't really connecting to the audience. Fans turned on his match with Cesaro, he had a lukewarm response at Survivor Series and only excited anyone when he first confronted Big Show. But since then, no one cares. Tackling Rusev could get the audience behind him. Plus, I don't see Rowan going anywhere outside of the upper midcard. He can afford a loss.

I also would've considered Ryback, since I'd rather Ryback remain in the upper midcard. Plus, Ryback has been booked in such a way that many might think he'd have a chance...whereas Show and Henry were doomed from the start. I used to think I'd like a Ziggler/Rusev feud. Hell, I'd be okay if Ziggler was chosen to be the man to defeat him, ONLY if WWE chooses to really push Ziggler. I also would rather Ziggler remain in the midcard, but the fans love him more than I do and it would be the ultimate underdog story. But Rusev has fought and beaten Ziggler....twice? It would be hard to build any momentum from it.

I personally would have Rusev beat Cena, even though it will never happen. Then imagine how awesome it would be if someone like Reigns or Ambrose took Rusev out instead. But rehashing this past feud really does drive home that there aren't enough credible baby faces.

So are you for 'Rusev Vs Swagger II'? Or who would you have made to be Rusev's next victim? Or do you think it's time for Rusev to finally be stopped? Personally, I believe Rusev should only be defeated when he has the WHC. I don't know if that can happen, but it would make his loss really mean something. I'm not sure whether Rusev has it in him to be a true main eventer, but his winning streak will boost or make the career of whoever beats him. But fighting Swagger again after so many victories over him is not the best way to build Rusev.

 

[HurriKane]

Does anyone know when Barrett will be healthy?

If Bad News Barrett was healthy I'd love to see those two wrestle in a hard hitting match. Rusev can just say no American can be him, Barrett says how about a Brit or something along those lines and that can Rusev a quick feud.

Other than that I can only see Ryback, Sheamus, Cesaro (if he turned face) or Cena.

Or Undertaker comes back at WM, and they don't do Sting Vs Taker, I could see Rusev Vs. Deadman being a pretty big match, if they are deadset on having Rusev being a main-event. (I know everyone here would hate that)

Other than these wrestlers, I have no clue honestly.

 

[Softcore Holly]

The problem with Rusev is he can't face anyone on the rise since his whole gimmick is to beat his opponents in dominating fashion, which limits his opponents to the "enhancement talent" portion of the roster. The last viable opponent he had was Sheamus and I suspect they might've gotten a more even feud if he didn't get injured. Ryback/Ziggler would be interesting choices but they're both being pushed atm and losing to Rusev would not be good for their momentum. Same for Rowen, although I'm not sure why WWE is suddenly so interested in him.

As for Swagger, not much to say about it since the outcome is already so obvious. If this was happening closer to WM I can see them possibly(not likely but still possible) letting Swagger win the US title there for the huge WM pop, but in December this is obvious filler since both guys aren't doing anything atm. They're just buying time to get closer to WM where we might get Rusev's "real" opponent.

Next victim? Eh....I have no idea. While I don't mind him as US champ(If anything I like the attention he's bringing to the title) I'm kinda tired of his monster heel run and want to see how he would do as a "regular" member of the roster. Will taking pins/submiting completely kill his momentum like so many monster heels before him or will he be able to stay relevant? That's the big question when it comes to Rusev and until that's answered everything he does is simply filler, just like him fueding with Swagger again.

 

[MartialHorror]

Personally, I think either the US or IC title needs to die. Want heat on Rusev? Have him burn the United States Title and say it's not worth being the champion of an undeserving country. Then have him step up to challenge for the WHC.

Undertaker would be a good choice, although I think Taker should retire. After his Lesnar match, I don't want to worry about his health for the wrong reasons. Taker might still look more threatening than Kane, but Kane seems to be in better shape. I think BnB needs a big push, so would rather he stay away from Rusev. Ryback and Ziggler, imo, are part time main eventers/midcard material, whereas Barrett can be the next big thing if treated correctly.

 

[Mustang Sally]

Jack Swagger....like Dolph Ziggler....is a career midcarder whom WWE management occasionally decides to get excited about and give a shot at the brass ring. In fact, both Dolph and Jack have held a world title, albeit briefly (very briefly).

Well, they're trying it again with Dolph, so would it be so surprising if they give Swagger another crack at it, too? It doesn't excite me to think of Swagger taking on Rusev again, especially since Jack got his Okie posterior handed to him last time. I see no reason for it to be any different this time.

Personally, I think Swagger is here to kill time for Rusev until Randy Orton gets back. I believe Rusev's next major project will be good guy Randy. This is a logical step up for Rusev.....and a great chance for Orton to show us just how blessedly "face" he can be.

Whether Rusev can use his rather scientific (for a heel) approach to break down Randy, body part by body part, will determine how high Rusev is to go in the organization.......and at the same time, will give us an early indication of what WWE plans to do with Orton with his new simon-pure persona.

 

[V Dogg]

Taker vs. Rusev? No. Just no. Simply no logic behind that whatsoever. Plus Taker is bigger than that. Also, I'm not a fan of this rehashed feud myself. Swagger has had his chance. It looks like we're leaning in the direction of (unfortunately) Cena vs. Rusev at Wrestlemania with Cena being the one to take him down.

 

[chuckmdubya]

I think I am officially tired of the indestructible Rusev storyline.
When Rusev comes out there are only 3 things that happen.
He talks bad about America and good about Russia.
He wins the match.
Or he cheats in the match. I no longer wonder if he's gonna lose, especially with the weak opponents in recent weeks. Something's gotta change, he needs to be challenged or they will ruin his career.

 

[L@RISANO]

I think come post-TLC, Rusev definitely needs a Main Event level opponent or someone close, and be put to sink or swim.

In the same way they have paired Bray Wyatt with Top Over Babyfaces for almost the entirety of the past year, I think that will need to be done with Rusev if he is to have any chance of making it big post-Mania 31.


Sally mentioned Orton as a possible opponent, but this is one time I have to disagree with her, as whilst he is the calibre of opponent required...at this point, it is not a surety that Randy will be going full face, and I don't think he should at all go full face either as he would lose his appeal rather quickly,lMO.


I'd say Rusev's next opponent needs to be big, and it needs to grab the fan's interest big time, and not be forced into a Main Event slot as the Rusev-Henry feud was...
Thus, Cena, Reigns, Bryan and perhaps a Part-Timer like the Rock for instance, are options at this point. Whilst Ziggler and Ryback are also viable candidates, whilst one candidate that could be built up, starting before the Rumble is Cesaro, who isn't American but a story can be written in a way that will make that not matter whatsoever...
Ambrose has been mentioned, but like Orton, I don't feel he is babyface enough at this point and such a Tweener type character is working wonders for him and should remain so...


Let's wait and see until after TLC, which seems a time-killing exercise before the Road to Mania begins to pass judgement on Rusev and how he will fare going forward.

 

[MartialHorror]

I think I am officially tired of the indestructible Rusev storyline.
When Rusev comes out there are only 3 things that happen.
He talks bad about America and good about Russia.
He wins the match.
Or he cheats in the match. I no longer wonder if he's gonna lose, especially with the weak opponents in recent weeks. Something's gotta change, he needs to be challenged or they will ruin his career.

To be fair, Rollins isnt faring much better. He gets his ass kicked, requires help and either flees or beats up his victim after his allies have done the bulk of the work. I feel WWE has botched Rollins' heel push worse than Rusev's. For one, I can take Rusev seriously, even though he's nowhere near the performer Rollins is.

 

[rbv13]

It is hard to get excited about round two of this feud when it comes off as nothing more than filler. In no way does it elevate Rusev or his title run and ultimately could be a fatal blow for any respect pertaining to Swagger. Seeing as this is a brief stopgap maybe they should have considered Del Wilkes or Tom Brandi in the role of The Patriot. I'm not sure who owns the rights but seeing the character back could have worked.

 

[chuckmdubya]

To be fair, Rollins isnt faring much better. He gets his ass kicked, requires help and either flees or beats up his victim after his allies have done the bulk of the work. I feel WWE has botched Rollins' heel push worse than Rusev's. For one, I can take Rusev seriously, even though he's nowhere near the performer Rollins is.

I would agree. Rollins could be doing better than he is. He isn't the same physical force that Rusev is, but he certainly could be more. He'd be good in a role similar to how Orton became popular. Instead of being cowardly, or being helped out by the big guys, He could be doing better by being cerebral and cunning. I hope he will start moving in that direction, because he's almost being used as part of a comedy skit now, always getting his butt kicked along with his two little "bodyguards".

 

[stonecoldstunner]

Forget Rusev - the guy needs to learn to speak and then he will be the #1 guy. I want to see Lana get sexy. This girl is the hottest diva out there. They can make it where if Rusev refuses to do something- then Lana has to be the Manager of somebody else for 1 month. Then they bring her out "against her will"...say with Ziggler....dressing like Nikki Bella...Wow..that would be fresh! Ziggler introduces Lana....she pauses doesn't want to come out..then she comes out dressed like a ho...then she goes back to the mean look in 1 month...I would want to see that!!

 

[The Mattitude Era]

I'm cool with this, as Rusev and Swagger are natural opponents, and seem to work well together. Plus, the Zeb Colter injury adds an emotional element to the feud. Also, I like Swagger, so I'm cool with them keeping Swagger in the picture.

 

[BillAlfonsos_Whistle]

Personally, I think either the US or IC title needs to die. Want heat on Rusev? Have him burn the United States Title and say it's not worth being the champion of an undeserving country. Then have him step up to challenge for the WHC.

Undertaker would be a good choice, although I think Taker should retire. After his Lesnar match, I don't want to worry about his health for the wrong reasons. Taker might still look more threatening than Kane, but Kane seems to be in better shape. I think BnB needs a big push, so would rather he stay away from Rusev. Ryback and Ziggler, imo, are part time main eventers/midcard material, whereas Barrett can be the next big thing if treated correctly.

Agree with every part of this post.
Especially burning the title and the part of Bad News being the next big thing.

 

[BigDaddyKewl]

I was surprised they went with Swagger again after he's been booked pretty weak in the last few months. But Rusev and Swagger seem to work well together in the ring and Swagger has the size and looks like a credible. Obviously they can play off there gimmicks with Swagger being the Real American and Rusev being the Russian Super athlete. Swaggers seems to have gotten the rub from this feud and has been getting some of the loudest pops in his career even though he's lost every match against Rusev.
I would like to see Rusev vs Ryback but I can understand why we're not getting this match yet. Ryback would likely lose and it would kill his momentum. I think we will likely see this match at Rumble or at the Feb PPV.

 

[HBKistheHOF]

I was actually somewhat looking forward to Rusev feuding with Sheamus for the U.S. Title at TLC(&S) but since Sheamus got injured after there only match, it really didn't leave Rusev with much to work with.

If Bad News Barrett is ready to go in the ring then that would probably be my first pick for Sheamus' substitute. Also if Christian is ready to go he'd be another solid choice. Cesaro would be another good choice if he wasn't such a hardcore heel right now, also I like the idea of him teaming with Tyson Kidd now & I'd really like to see them in a tag team match at the PPV. Maybe WWE could revisit Rusev's short feud with Mark Henry since it only lasted a couple weeks. Besides that there is really only jobbers like R-Truth & Titus O'Neil, so while I'm not huge on the idea of Rusev feuding with Swagger again so soon, it's not the absolute worst considering the limited options right now.

 

[L@RISANO]

I would agree. Rollins could be doing better than he is. He isn't the same physical force that Rusev is, but he certainly could be more. He'd be good in a role similar to how Orton became popular. Instead of being cowardly, or being helped out by the big guys, He could be doing better by being cerebral and cunning. I hope he will start moving in that direction, because he's almost being used as part of a comedy skit now, always getting his butt kicked along with his two little "bodyguards".

At this point, Rollins is good as he is being a chickenshit heel and hiding behind others, as he has played the role brilliantly in such a way that he has gotten heat big time since becoming traitorface.


With Ambrose,Reigns to an extent and now, Orton taking up the Tweener type roles..there is absolutely no need for Rollins to become the same as that would only be cheered by today's crowds.


If you might not have noticed, Rollins has always come up big and won his major matches thus far, other than that Reigns loss on RAW...he beat Ambrose and also Orton, whilst Cena has yet to defeat him.
Whatsmore, I think his cash-in will also be kept for an opportune time where he'll get people to hate him even more as the new WWE WHC...

 

[kadroan]

It's actually Rusev vs. Swagger III (fought at Battleground and Summerslam this year) but I get what you mean when you say "II".

I thought the feud originally had potential to be one of the better mid card feuds in recent years despite not having the United States Championship.

I thought Swagger vs. Dallas match at NoC was smart, a way to build Swagger back up in time for a final showdown against Rusev at HIAC in a HIAC match but that didn't happen.

The feud feels random. I would have preferred Rusev to face Ryback. They build Ryback as a legit threat going into Survivor Series. I doubt Ryback is going to win the WWE WHC any time soon so him being used as enhancement talent again, this time to put Rusev over.

Rusev eliminated Ryback at Survivor Series in the main event. They could have build off that and maybe had it going into the new year. Despite Ryback getting pinned in the match, Cena did too so Ryback's elimination doesn't look as bad.

Rusev vs. Ryback at TLCS.

 

[Navi]

I think I am officially tired of the indestructible Rusev storyline.
When Rusev comes out there are only 3 things that happen.
He talks bad about America and good about Russia.
He wins the match.
Or he cheats in the match. I no longer wonder if he's gonna lose, especially with the weak opponents in recent weeks. Something's gotta change, he needs to be challenged or they will ruin his career.

I have to agree with this. I've been tired of him for a long time now. He might be a good wrestler, but my God is the guy boring. And he gets no crowd reaction at all, especially at live events. I've been to three this year and he and Lana were at all of them. She gets the heat, he seriously gets no reaction at all. No boo's, nothing. Now it might be because the USA/Russia doesn't work up here in Canada, cause we really don't give a rat's ass, but he's a crowd killer for sure.

Once he loses, and he has to lose at some point, they just can't keep recycling people for him to feud with, what's he going to do then. Can't help but feel that they've boxed themselves in with him, and it's going to be hard for Rusev to have any credibility once his, monster heel I'm indestructible, phase is over.

I see him feuding with Swagger for awhile, then yea, no idea. Henry and Show are heels now, and they were his other main opponents.

 

[Dave]

The main reson they have Rusev feuding with Swagger again, after such a short time since their initial feud, is quite simply because they don't know what to do with them until someone else is freed up. I think the most likely names for Rusev have already been named in this thread. You are looking at people like Rowan, Orton, Ryback or Sheamus. All four of those guys would be able to carry a nice little feud with Rusev and really test the waters in regards to his potential.

Feuding with Jack Swagger all over again is doing nothing for Rusev but really, I am at a loss as to who else to pair him up with at this point. Everyone who means something in the WWE is dealing with the fallout from The Authority disappearing and that will carry on until at least TLC. After that, I think you will see the WWE diversify their talent again and send them out on their own to make different things stick.

Rusev is just one of those guys who are waiting for something big to do and someone big to go over. However, at this time, nothing is available. Once someone like Ryback becomes available, it will be interesting to see how long Rusev remains undefeated for. If they waste the streak that Rusev has attained on Jack Swagger, that would be an awful mistake on the part of the WWE. Keep your fingers crossed that this doesn't happen.

 

[MartialHorror]

I have to agree with this. I've been tired of him for a long time now. He might be a good wrestler, but my God is the guy boring. And he gets no crowd reaction at all, especially at live events. I've been to three this year and he and Lana were at all of them. She gets the heat, he seriously gets no reaction at all. No boo's, nothing. Now it might be because the USA/Russia doesn't work up here in Canada, cause we really don't give a rat's ass, but he's a crowd killer for sure.

Once he loses, and he has to lose at some point, they just can't keep recycling people for him to feud with, what's he going to do then. Can't help but feel that they've boxed themselves in with him, and it's going to be hard for Rusev to have any credibility once his, monster heel I'm indestructible, phase is over.

I see him feuding with Swagger for awhile, then yea, no idea. Henry and Show are heels now, and they were his other main opponents.

I disagree with the crowd reaction, at least in the U.S. Admittedly it's difficult to say who gets the heat more, since they're always together. But feuding with Rusev often seems to put fans behind people whom they usually don't care about. I remember the crowd being dead vs Show/Henry Vs Wyatts, but when Rusev came out, he got all the attention. Show and Henry got louder pops than usual when fighting Rusev. Swagger only gets major pops when fighting Rusev. The "USA" chants never seem to stop.

The only time it seems like crowds are indifferent is when he's squashing someone like Slater.

 

[DCLXVI]

Mixed feelings on the two... Swagger is a freaking workhorse who always puts on great matches in my opinion. I'm wondering why they are going back to this feud. If Rusev goes over Swagger, it's further down the ladder for Swagger and it will be hard for him to make a recovery. People have already watched this with Swagger going in with more momentum and I don't see Swagger ending Rusev's streak with the way they have been booking Swagger.

Ultimately I see the Swag man losing this and I don't think he's the guy to take Rusev's streak. That damn lisp is preventing him from going further and he lacks a certain something. His future? Who knows. Solid midcarder with a chant that is over with the crowd.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I agree with Sally that Swagger is more of a feud that's meant to kill some time before moving Rusev onto someone a bit higher up on the roster, though still someone that could be placed well within the mid-card picture. We've already seen them feud, which I thought was pretty good, but the United States Championship is involved this time. Even without Zeb Coulter being "injured", I figured this feud would be coming back around because their last feud, while ending with Rusev earning decisive wins, didn't end with Swagger looking thoroughly defeated. Swagger did lose due to the ref stopping the matches rather than being pinned or forced do submit.

All in all, I don't mind Rusev defending the United States Championship against Swagger. It makes sense really, even without the whole USA vs. Russia thing, because Rusev is.........wait for it............a mid-card champion. As a result, he needs to feud with other mid-card wrestlers and while Swagger might not be main event material, the guy's a damn good mid-carder who can provide quality matches.

Here's the thing: as with most aspects, it's a double edged sword because some are gonna be unhappy or unexcited to see this feud. Think about it though, would you rather have Rusev up against Swagger or would you rather he be put into a match against, say, Dean Ambrose? Ambrose is an up & comer with a lot of momentum and fan interest....oh...but wait...then here'd come the protests about Ambrose feuding with a definitive mid-carder, soon to be followed by the "WWE is burying Dean Ambrose" criticisms because he's feuding for a mid-card title when a lot of fans want him in the upper mid-card to main event picture. You put Rusev up against an up and comer like Ambrose or someone ultra over like Daniel Bryan, when he returns, then you'll have unhappy campers on both sides. If Rusev lost, then here'd come the complaints of WWE ruining a good thing with Rusev, yet you'd have even more gripes if Ambrose or Bryan put Rusev over with claims that WWE is making poor use of one of the best guys they've got.

So, if not an up and comer, then it has to be someone that's an established mid-carder or possibly someone that's been in the upper mid-card to main event picture consistently like John Cena, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, RVD, etc. to challenge Rusev. However, you have a better chance of Vince turning tricks in downtown Stamford than you do of having John Cena lowered to wrestling against a mid-card champion. Randy Orton would be more likely but, at the same time, he's someone that's so far above the title that it'd be of no real consequence and it'd probably be treated as such.

In short, mid-card champions are supposed to wrestle and defend their titles against mid-card opponents. Would you rather Rusev be fed to guys in the main event like John Cena and lose, like we've often seen whenever guys higher up wrestle against mid-card champions?

 

[Trill Co$by]

Jack Swagger....like Dolph Ziggler....is a career midcarder whom WWE management occasionally decides to get excited about and give a shot at the brass ring. In fact, both Dolph and Jack have held a world title, albeit briefly (very briefly).

Well, they're trying it again with Dolph, so would it be so surprising if they give Swagger another crack at it, too? It doesn't excite me to think of Swagger taking on Rusev again, especially since Jack got his Okie posterior handed to him last time. I see no reason for it to be any different this time.

Personally, I think Swagger is here to kill time for Rusev until Randy Orton gets back. I believe Rusev's next major project will be good guy Randy. This is a logical step up for Rusev.....and a great chance for Orton to show us just how blessedly "face" he can be.

Whether Rusev can use his rather scientific (for a heel) approach to break down Randy, body part by body part, will determine how high Rusev is to go in the organization.......and at the same time, will give us an early indication of what WWE plans to do with Orton with his new simon-pure persona.

Well for one, WWE's pulling in close to Tribute to the Troops. What better way to build up the All American Event by having the "Real American" walk into an American Armory with the flag waving high, fans behind him, and dead set on defeating the evil Russian Supporter, who currently holds the Championship of America?

Second, Swagger's not the only one to fall to Rusev, but he's the one who had by far the biggest reaction when facing Rusev. If anything, that just tells WWE that fans want to see Swagger succeed.

Third, it shuts people up who claim "Laurinaitis guys are being pushed aside for Levesque guys".

But from an analyst viewpoint, I can see your argument in the matter. But then again, Cena got thrashed by Lesnar at SummerSlam only to put up a bigger fight at Night of Champions. So who knows?

 

[TDFG]

I'd like for Swagger to end Rusev's run. WWE seem set on Cena v Rusev at WM, I don't see Rusev going over but I don't think Cena should beat him and possibly damage Rusev the way he did Wyatt.