WWE star makes Raw after Mania return with 'amazing body transformation'
Rusev made his WWE return in emphatic fashion 24 hours after a historic WrestleMania 41.
The Raw After Mania is well known for its surprises, and fans were treated to the former United States Champion making a comeback five years after he was released early in the pandemic.
He came out and laid out Akira Tozawa and Otis during their match against new World Tag Team Champions The New Day.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods escaped but left their opponents to the wrath of Rusev.
The Bulgarian Brute hadn't been seen on WWE TV since 2020, and looked a world away from past iterations of himself after a ridiculous transformation, with fans quick to heap praise on him.
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'Rusev looks MONSTROUS 😮💨 just destroyed Otis and Tozawa! #WWERaw,' wrote @Elliottt93, as @McArles7 said: 'Rusev looks the best he's ever looked, amazing body transformation #RawAfterMania'
'Holy crap, Rusev looks phenomenal! #RawAfterMania,' added @AJKirsch, while @1ndecipherable1 pointed out: 'Rusev cut weight and looks monstrous… And he was already huge.'
'I'll admit, I wasn't moved when I heard Rusev re signed with WWE but he looks in the best shape of his life! #WWERaw,' admitted @heel_enthusiast.
A few months after his WWE exit, Rusev – a former three-time United States Champion – joined AEW as Miro, but featured less and less as the years went on.
He's followed the likes of Ethan Page, NXT North American Champion Ricky Saints and Lucha Bros' Penta and Rey Fenix by jumping ship to WWE.
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As well as Rusev's return, the show also saw Bron Breakker lay out both Roman Reigns and CM Punk at the end of the show.
The son of Hall of Famer Rick Steiner has now aligned himself with Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman, bouncing right back after losing the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania.
New champion Dominik Mysterio had a successful first defence against Penta thanks to a returning JD McDonagh, while World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso had a wholesome celebration with twin Jimmy Uso and friend Sami Zayn.
At the start of the night, Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena tore into the fans for being fickle in their reactions to Cody Rhodes.
He ended up getting dropped with an RKO as longtime rival Randy Orton stood tall, hinting at a match between the two legends at Backlash.
Just 24 hours after losing the Women's Tag Team Titles to Lyra Valkyria and a returning Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez regained the gold.
The Man was furious and turned on Lyra after the bell, laying her out with multiple Man-handle Slams.
There was also an NXT presence, as the brand's Women's Champion Stephanie Vaquer had an impromptu match against Women's World Champion Iyo Sky.
The bout ended in controversy when Roxanne Perez and Giulia attacked both women, while Rhea Ripley came down to save the day, making it clear she's still gunning for Iyo's title in the near future.
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