The Bulgarian Brute opens up about the ultimatum that nearly ended his WWE career
Summary
– Rusev shared that WWE once gave him 60 days to prove himself or face release
– Multiple injuries early in his career nearly ended his dream
– He reinvented himself and went on to become one of WWE’s most popular stars
Before Rusev became one of WWE’s most powerful and charismatic figures, his career was hanging by a thread. In a recent interview with CBS Sports, the former WWE Champion revealed that the company once gave him just 60 days to turn things around or face losing his job permanently.
Rusev signed with WWE in 2010 while still finding his footing in professional wrestling. However, his early years in the developmental system were marked by setbacks. A torn ACL and meniscus in 2011 sidelined him for months, and when he finally returned, a neck injury left him temporarily paralyzed. Those injuries nearly ended his career before it began.
“Again, I was pushed against the wall with nowhere else to go,” Rusev recalled. “After that meeting about, ‘You have this much time left here,’ I went back and started revisiting my character. What could I do better? If you ask something of me, I’ll deliver.”
That wake-up call became a defining moment. Determined not to waste his second chance, Rusev rebuilt his in-ring style and persona from the ground up. His transformation paid off — he made his main roster debut as “The Bulgarian Brute” and quickly rose to prominence, dominating opponents and captivating fans with his intensity.
Years later, Rusev’s resilience remains a defining aspect of his story. Now back in WWE and once again a champion, his journey from nearly being fired to a celebrated star stands as one of wrestling’s most inspiring comeback stories.
