Nikita Koloff was one of the ‘baddest’ men in NWA history. He was big, strong and almost invincible. At a time when professional wrestling had the corner, marketing on “super heels”, there were few who symbolised the “good versus evil” concept better than the Russian Nightmare.
When Magnum TA suffered the car accident that nearly took his life and immediately ended his wrestling career, Dusty Rhodes – the booker for Jim Crockett Promotions – devised an idea that changed the business forever.
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Koloff, the man who rushed through opponents and looked to be a sure-fire NWA World Champion, became a babyface and with Rhodes became the Super Powers.
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Professional wrestling has a way of changing lanes as quickly as someone would change their underwear. The growing climate of WWE, with its uneven rosters and lack of depth, may require more changing of its characters, which could lead to Rusev making a jump, to help the good guys balance the scales.
Rusev, the mighty Bulgarian Brute, with Lana as his partner in crime, is the mega heel Vince McMahon has desired for years. Since Mark Henry’s run with the World Heavyweight Title, there has never been a wrestler as intimidating, strong and vigilant in garnering heat from the fans, as Rusev.
If not for his beautiful wife, there wouldn’t be any support for him, which is precisely why making a move to a babyface role confuses me. But in the world of professional wrestling, it makes sense.
Coming off a Hell in a Cell pay-per-view against Roman Reigns, and then the next evening’s edition of Raw, where he dropped a chance to face Dolph Ziggler at Survivor Series after a loss to Sami Zayn; maybe there is some credence in the notion change will do Rusev some good.
Here are five reasons Rusev should turn babyface on the red team.
#5 The Roman Reigns heel turn
OK, I am sure by now we are all sick of talking about it. In theory, Reigns gets better week after week. The sudden “brotherly love” between himself and Seth Rollins probably helps his cause.
Fans are still divided over how to feel about the three-time world champion. It is clear that WWE wants him to become the lead dog in Raw once again. What this does for Rollins is anyone’s guess. I believe in the theory that if one wrestler becomes a babyface, another must turn heel.
If there is anyone on Raw’s roster who could gain a boost from changing his ways to evil, it is certainly the big dog.
#4 A Universal Title run
Looking at Raw’s main event picture right now, Rusev is fifth on the list of superstars who could get a shot at the Universal Title.
Remember as well that Finn Balor will return to the ring at some point and want another crack at “his” title. What does WWE do with the scales tipped toward the dark side?
If Rusev becomes a beloved fan favourite, it puts him squarely in the title picture with Kevin Owens. In many cases, the challenger works harder to catch the champion. Rusev immediately gets a push to the top of the title mountain. A feud with Owens might be one of the better programs of 2017.
#3 The Lana factor
Anytime Lana is on television; it’s a rating’s boost. The wife of the ‘baddest’ man on Raw right now, adds so much to his character. I’m not asking them to emulate Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth, but there is something to be said for a couple that gets over with the fans.
The Miz and Maryse are the Tully Blanchard and Baby Doll of SmackDown Live. Their dynamic is much different – an angle that works for the blue team. It’s hard to ask someone who comes off as all brawn to soften his stance. WWE needs a babyface power couple. This might be the closest thing to it on television.
#2 Brock Lesnar, anyone?
At some point, Lesnar and Paul Heyman will come back to Raw and invite wrestlers to take a trip down to Suplex City. While the idea of Lesnar as a ‘tweener star gets over with the fans, his best role is that of a conquering heel. When booking him, there have to be performers who can match up with him.
Rusev is one of the few opponents who can go toe-to-toe with him. While the Heyman factor isn’t as powerful as with other performers, the two would work well in a program with Lana and her man. I’d give anything to see Lesnar try and Suplex Rusev over and over again.
#1 Move to the blue team
My hope is WWE will make changes to its rosters for both Raw and SmackDown Live after Survivor Series and beyond. While it is probably a given that Sami Zayn and maybe Cesaro move over to the blue team, could Rusev move as well?
There has to be careful consideration when it comes to how WWE tries to balance rosters and develop new feuds in 2017. Would a move to Tuesday nights ensure an easier path to the WWE World Title? It’s time for this company to give Rusev the push he deserves. Judging by the current roster talent on SmackDown Live, it might be the right time to stir the pot.
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