logo
WWE star makes Raw after Mania return with 'amazing body transformation'

WWE star makes Raw after Mania return with 'amazing body transformation'

Metro22-04-2025

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.
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
'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.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
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.
View More »
Netflix is the home of WWE in the UK. WWE 2K25 is available now.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: How much is Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us season 2?
MORE: All the celebrities who 'refuse to touch' blockbuster Harry Potter TV reboot
MORE: Comedian faked his own death in a 'horrible' prank on heartbroken mum

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Remember Jeffrey Campbell's sky-high shoe boots? They're back a decade later!
Remember Jeffrey Campbell's sky-high shoe boots? They're back a decade later!

Metro

time31 minutes ago

  • Metro

Remember Jeffrey Campbell's sky-high shoe boots? They're back a decade later!

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more First there were rumours of Topshop returning to the high street, then there was speculation bandage dresses à la Hervé Léger are making a comeback, and now Jeffrey Campbell's killer heeled shoe boots have hit the shelves once again. Anyone would think we've hopped in a time machine and landed in 2010. Gen Z may not recognise the reference, but millennials will no doubt back us when we say you haven't lived until you've ditched your smartphone in favour of your Samsung flip phone, digital camera, physical cash, Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse caked on your face, concealer lips, your boldest bodycon dress, and a pair of Jeffrey Campbell's sky-high studded heeled ankle boots, and the tightest leather jacket you could squeeze into. What a time to be alive! Now, we know nostalgiacore is rife, but never did we see the day we would be dusting off our dancing shoes in the form of the sky-high studded heeled ankle boots, especially now kitten heels are the shoes we are reaching for on a night out, and after years of wearing trainers to bars, which felt controversial for many millennials at first. Whether you are a millennial reliving the trend once again, or you're new to the heeled shoe boot trend, Jeffrey Campbell's are the cream of the crop. The iconic heeled shoe boot is back. It boasts a sleek black leather exterior, block wooden heel and synthetic sole for comfort, as well as a lace up front. The heel measures 12.7cm in height, and available in UK shoe sizes 3 to 8, though it doesn't come in half sizes. BUY NOW FOR £154 If you don't believe us, just look at Taylor Swift who was spotted earlier this year wearing a pair of Larroudé's patent block heel lace ups, which she teamed with a lace mini dress and rara skirt (another noughties reference we lived in in our teen years to under 18s club). On a late night doomscroll we stumbled across Jeffrey Campbell heels at Schuh, and had to wipe our bleary eyes to make sure we were seeing things clearly. Though, it is also available to shop from Jeffrey Campbell's website, as well as Free People. More Trending Jeffrey Campbell's Lita heels boast the same synonymous features now as the shoes did a decade or so ago. The shoes offer a staggeringly high block heel, a pointed close toe, lace up front, and reach the ankle. While some ankle boots hug the nape of the ankle, some styles rise a little higher up the ankle. Some designs have been crafted from plain leather, while others feature a studded ankle detailing, or bold design to resemble the American flag. The statement shoes can be paired with dresses, both maxi and mini length, skirts of all lengths, as well as jeans and a biker jacket. So, don't be put off by what appears to be an ankle-breaking heel height because these heeled boots kept us upright on many a sticky Oceana dance floor (much to our surprise), and are more versatile than you assume. The heels range in price from £148 to £189 at Schuh. Considering this style has made a revival, it is a worthy investment you can hand down through the generations because we believe this trend will undoubtedly make a revival again in the future. Shop Jeffrey Campbell's at Schuh now. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: From Nike trainers to Molly-Mae approved products, chilli glasses and more – this is what a shopping expert is buying MORE: Molly-Mae Hague shares her new holiday beauty routine including full make-up breakdown MORE: From Space NK to Mango – here's 23 items our shopping expert is buying this weekend

‘Either genius or madness' – Sheffield United sign little-known star from Bulgaria as part of new AI transfer model
‘Either genius or madness' – Sheffield United sign little-known star from Bulgaria as part of new AI transfer model

Scottish Sun

time41 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

‘Either genius or madness' – Sheffield United sign little-known star from Bulgaria as part of new AI transfer model

The club has already signed two players with AI AI REVOLUTION 'Either genius or madness' – Sheffield United sign little-known star from Bulgaria as part of new AI transfer model Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHEFFIELD UNITED have embraced their new AI transfer model with the addition of a little-known star from Bulgaria. The Blades have signed Ehije Ukaki from Bulgarian top-flight outfit Botev Plovdiv. 3 Ehije Ukaki has joined Sheffield United after being scouted with AI Credit: instagram @sheffieldunited 3 Chris Wilder believes the star can be developed Credit: Getty The attacker, 20, becomes the third player after Christian Nwachukwu and Jefferson Caceres to arrive at Brammell Lane thanks to AI. Owners Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy are strong believers in AI and think it can boost the club. Ukaki has signed a three-year contract with the Championship side, which will expire in 2028. Blades boss Chris Wilder revealed that he was discovered through the club's "data-driven" approach. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS MIC SWAP Carrick takes up new offer alongside Man Utd icon O'Shea just days after Boro axe He said: "Ehije is a player who has been identified through our data-driven strategy and is someone we're looking forward to developing. "He's an emerging talent, still only 20, who has enjoyed some experience of European football early in his career, so there's a base to work from." Last season, Ukaki impressed in Bulgaria as he scored seven goals in 37 appearances in all competitions. Fans have mixed feelings in their reaction to the transfer strategy. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS One posted: "This AI scouting system will either turn us into Brighton on steroids or we will be in League 2 come 2030." A second wrote: "Up the AI Blades." Football teams that controversially changed their badge 3 Jefferson Caceres was signed with AI earlier this year Credit: Getty A third commented: "I hope AI picks me next." A fourth said: "This is either genius or madness. I'm going madness." Another added: "Wilder is never playing any of these." Other AI signings, Nwachukwu and Caceres, have had little impact since their arrivals. Only Caceres has been named in a matchday squad, and that was once against Stoke City. The Peruvian did not get onto the pitch as the Blades ran out 2-0 winners.

Tesco shoppers going wild over £16 chocolate cake that's ‘best they've ever had'
Tesco shoppers going wild over £16 chocolate cake that's ‘best they've ever had'

Metro

time2 hours ago

  • Metro

Tesco shoppers going wild over £16 chocolate cake that's ‘best they've ever had'

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more It's the simple things in life, right? The sun shining, a good hair day and your local supermarket launching a tempting new sweet treat. And Tesco might have nailed it with its latest release. The retailer has teamed up with Studio Bakery, a family-run bakery business from Lancashire, to start selling the brand's giant slices of cake inspired by a nostalgic favourite – you know, that one you always wanted to reach through the screen and smash your face into in Matilda. The aptly named Matilda Cake, is a beast of a chocolate cake slice that claims to serve 10 and sees 12 layers of chocolate sponge and 12 layers of ganache stacked one on top of the other. Priced at £16 for the slice, (which is meant to serve 10 people) the product can be found in Tesco's bigger stores, but not the Express ones. On social media, shoppers have hailed it the 'best chocolate cake they've ever had', with Frankie French posting in the Food Finds UK Official group to say: 'Best chocolate cake I've ever tried, this Studio Bakery Big Matilda Cake. Can't wait to be able to buy it in Tesco.' Connor James replied to say he thought it looked 'amazing' as Cerise Gant commented: 'Oh this will be lethal' Paige Mitchell was also excited by the new product, writing: 'Oh my that will fulfil my pregnancy cravings.' 'I've tried it, it's delicious,' claimed Ashleigh Howard, and Simon Hodgson wasn't keen to share his, replying: 'Serves 10, who are they kidding?' Others compared it to the Costco chocolate cake, the Ultimate Bruce cake from Kake Temptations and the iconic Bertha from Get Baked, a Manchester-based company that sells out slabs of its giant chocolate cake each week. Having tried the Get Baked version, which costs £20 plus postage, I knew I had to see how this one compares. My first impression is that it doesn't look as visually appealing as Bertha. The sponge looks dense and dry, and the ganache is lacking a shine. But it's very much a case of appearances being deceiving as the Matilda cake is much moister than it looks. It's rich, without being too sickly sweet, and oh so enjoyable with a cup of tea. The box recommends heating it up, so that's what I did and I loved the flexibility of being able to enjoy this as both a piece of cake and a hot, molten chocolate pudding, depending on what you're in the mood for. There's also a claim on the box that it serves 10, but I'd say you'd be cheating people out of cake if you stretched it that far. In the Metro office the slice was split between six of us and there were no leftovers. Make of that what you will… This cake is soooo much better than your average supermarket chocolate cake, there's no denying that. More Trending But when it comes down to the wire, the overall quality is higher with the Get Baked product, in terms of the look, taste and even the packaging. Yes, you're spending more, but you definitely get what you pay for in this situation. Bertha's sponge is fresh and moist, the ganache is silky smooth and glossy and it's wrapped carefully in tissue paper inside a visually striking box. In every way possible it feels like a premium product. The Matilda Cake doesn't quite live up to that, but it's a close second. View More » This doesn't surprise me too much though, after all, it is being mass-produced for a supermarket, so it didn't really stand a chance. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Waitrose updates popular hot drink loyalty perk — but shoppers face a £3 charge MORE: 'Totally overrated' restaurant crowned the best in the UK — as top 100 revealed MORE: Unassuming UK village is a surprising must-visit for foodies with 'exceptional' restaurants Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store