5 times WWE gave its Superstars a bonus 

#3 Vince McMahon gave Rusev a bonus following an episode of WWE RAW

Rusev & Carrillo vs. Lashley & Garza announced for WWE Raw https://t.co/IhhHVGMgY5 pic.twitter.com/ua20l4Uate

— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) February 15, 2020

Prior to moving to AEW, where he now goes under the name Miro, Rusev spent the better part of six years on the WWE main roster.

The Bulgarian Superstar enjoyed a fair degree of success in WWE, holding the United States Championship on three occasions. Rusev even defended the title against John Cena at WrestleMania 31 in 2015.

Rusev also had a great relationship with the WWE audience, with many fans frequently calling for him to be given more of an opportunity in the main event picture.

For whatever reason, though, Vince McMahon and the WWE creative team never fully seemed to get behind Rusev. However, McMahon made it known that he was very impressed with Rusev during what would turn out to be the 36-year-old's final appearance on WWE RAW.

During an interview on Chris Jericho's podcast last year, Rusev revealed that the finish of a tag team match involving Angel Garza had been changed at the last minute, which saw Rusev switched from the winner to the loser of the match.

WWE production guidelines at the time stated that a babyface should never raise their arms if they have just suffered a defeat. Rusev ignored this, though, much to the liking of McMahon. Rusev explained:

"I went and just started clubbing him and he rolled out and I broke Joey Mercury’s rule which is if you’re babyface and you lose you never raise your hand. But I just so wanted to stick it to everybody and say ‘it don’t matter who wins or loses because I am Miro and just raised my hands and that was it. I came to the back and Vince McMahon said he was going to give me a bonus. He said he was going to give me a bonus because ‘oh they’re trying to bury you out there. You really took care of yourself. This is exactly what I need to see. You’re very aggressive. Good stuff.’ And that was my bonus."

Although Rusev might not have been compensated in dollars and cents for his efforts by McMahon, he definitely earned the respect of his now-former boss with his actions. This is something that several current WWE Superstars might consider more important than money.