Alexander Rusev - Beast or Bust?

[Fuji Vice]

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As a big fan of big guys in wrestling, I have to admit I was pretty excited when Alexander Rusev started appearing in NXT, basically running roughshod over all of his opponents there. Unfortunately, since he's been moved up to the main roster I find it harder and harder to invest myself in him or his matches. Part of that has to do with his ultra-generic, foreign heel character, but I think it goes deeper than that. At this point, the cynical side of me basically realizes Rusev has a very short shelf-life unless something drastically different is done with him. Since I don't see that happening, I can only imagine he'll shortly be de-pushed and disappear for a repackaging which probably won't work either. Am I wrong in thinking this? Do you guys see more potential in Rusev than I do?

 

[Postman Dave]

I'm willing to give him time. He could very well end up being another Kozlov or Tensai but he reminds me of Umaga and he was awesome. And people didn't like him immediately either so as I said, I'm willing to wait and see with Rusev.

 

[Orobin Thor]

I agree with the reference to Umaga. However, WWE did push Umaga and Umaga did hold gold for a short time. I see this mostly as another Ryback type thing. He will smash a few jobbers, then get shuffled into the deck for a bit before they repackage him.

 

[Lover Boy]

He reminds me more of Koslov than Umaga at this point, that might be something to do with his Eastern European background though.

I am willing to give him time as their are sparks of quality in his matches, hopefully he will improve over time and become a real talent.

 

[Vegeta]

I've not saw much I like yet expect for Lana, besides that I really don't care for him at this point. Now that could change in the future if they change him up a bit, or once he starts mixing it up with people who at least have a chance at beating him, I'm not one of this beat jobbers to build up a guy thing. Have him get a win over a big mid-card or upper-mid card guy and that would be big for him.

I won't pass full judgment for a few more months, but for now he gets the thumbs down from me.