5 possible storylines for Rusev's return to WWE

The Bulgarian Brute Rusev had been missing from WWE TV lately but recently it has been revealed that the former United States Champion had asked for time off TV. He is rumored to return soon to SmackDown Live.

Rusev had become a member of the tag team division of SmackDown Live after he joined forces with Shinsuke Nakamura before WrestleMania 35. The duo even challenged for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship at the Show of Shows but unfortunately, they could not capture the titles.

The Super Athlete was a part of the 50-man Battle Royal which took place at Super Showdown but, his last appearance on SmackDown Live came way back on 16th April when he teamed up with Cesaro and Nakamura in a losing effort against Kevin Owens, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.

He was not a part of any storyline in April but here are the 5 ways WWE can book him once he returns to SmackDown Live.

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#5 Challenge for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship with Shinsuke Nakamura

Future Tag Team Champions?

It is no secret that the SmackDown tag team division is in shambles at the moment. The fact that WWE had to involve the B Team in a #1 contender's match last week solidifies the above statement. Daniel Bryan and Rowan are the favorites to retain their titles this Sunday against Heavy Machinery. So, the Planet's Champions will be in need of new challengers.

Rusev and Nakamura can perfectly fit in this role as both were popular babyfaces once. Though they portrayed heel characters in their last match, the WWE Universe won't mind if WWE turns them face without giving any reason. The blue brand's tag team division needs a face tag team and Rusev and Nakamura are the best candidates for that position.

#4 Answer Aleister Black's open challenge

Black Mass vs Machka Kick - who wins?

The Dutch Destroyer, Aleister Black, has been constantly asking superstars to answer his open challenge on SmackDown Live. His vignettes have become monotonous of late and it would be great if WWE puts him in a feud soon. With the amount of talent available on the SmackDown roster, they have a plethora of options to choose from. But, in my opinion, they should go for Rusev here.

The Bulgarian Brute has the talent to take Aleister Black's character to the next level. Black is not a normal character, he is a Satanist and needs an opponent who can make the most of his character. The Super Athlete's wife, Lana, can also play a major role in this feud as she has always played a huge role in Rusev's feuds.

Who should be the face and who should be the heel here is WWE's choice. But, I feel Black should be the heel and Rusev should be the face because the blue brand is in dire need of good heels who can challenge the face champions.

#3 Feud with Finn Balor for the Intercontinental Championship

Finn Balor needs a new challenger

The Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor has struggled to find new opponents ever since he moved to SmackDown Live. His feud with Andrade had a lot of potential but WWE seems to have given up on that rivalry as the Mexican superstar is now Apollo Crews' rival. This has left Finn Balor without any opponent.

With the likes of Randy Orton, Ali, and Buddy Murphy available on SmackDown, it is surprising that WWE has not booked an Intercontinental Championship feud. Perhaps they may have plans for Rusev in this direction since Finn Balor and Rusev have never crossed paths with each other thus far.

Their only battle took place in a fatal 4-way match which even featured Cesaro and Kevin Owens on the first RAW episode of the New Era. The Bulgarian Brute knows how to play a heel character on TV and so, he can have a solid feud with a superstar as popular as Finn Balor.

#2 Become the new #1 contender for the WWE Championship

Rusev had faced the then WWE Champion AJ Styles at the previous edition of WWE Extreme Rules

It is surprising that despite being one of the most popular superstars of the roster, Rusev has never held a world championship in WWE. He has been among the contenders on multiple occasions but his only singles pay-per-view match for the WWE title came at Extreme Rules 2018, where he challenged the champion AJ Styles. The Phenomenal One won the match and Rusev was demoted to the mid-card once again.

With the Beast in the Bank, Brock Lesnar, not expected to cash-in any soon, WWE can book a Rusev vs Kofi Kingston feud for the WWE Championship. This match can take place at WWE Extreme Rules as we would get some freshness in the WWE title picture.

The True American Hero Rusev will get a lot of momentum after this feud and then WWE can use him in non-title feuds or even secondary title feuds. If a returning Rusev wins the next #1 contender's match for the WWE Championship, it will also generate huge shock value.

#1 Feud for the 24/7 championship with R-Truth

R-Truth is the most popular champion of the main roster

For all the fans who do not know that R-Truth has once again won the 24/7 Championship, here's the clip.

You can argue as much as you want, but the truth is the 24/7 Championship is the most popular title in WWE right now. And, the man responsible for the title's success is none other than R-Truth. The former United States Champion has elevated the ugly title to the next level with his comic timing and the way he defends the championship.

We all know Rusev also has a very good sense of humor and I just cannot wait to see 24/7 title segments featuring Rusev and R-Truth on weekly episodes. Sure, Rusev's character will not be as serious as the fans want it to be but this is only way Rusev can express his real life character on TV.

A 24/7 Championship feud between Rusev and R-Truth will get social media buzzing and who knows? The viewership of the episodes may starting soaring once again!