First-time ever match on Raw, ends up with a title contender.
The September 8th episode of Raw has been extremely high-paced and full of action. Following an action-filled kickoff segment and visible heel turn teases from Jey Uso, a first-time ever match also took place tonight.
Following his fresh victory over Sheamus recently, Rusev appeared in a backstage segment against Penta. While Penta demanded a title match against Dominik Mysterio, Rusev showed off his recent achievements before demanding something similar. As Adam Pearce stood and watched on, the match between the two was soon made official.
Later in the show, Penta and Rusev clashed against each other in a closely-contested fight with brutal strikes and hard-hitting action. However, interference from Grayson Waller and The New Day caused Rusev to pick up the victory over Penta.
Despite several years in the business, the two former AEW stars faced each other for the first time in their career.
Active WWE Star Rusev Gets Honest About His Time In AEW
A few weeks ago, during an interview with Denise Salcedo, Rusev opened up about his time in AEW. Reflecting on his run there, the former United States Champion stated,
I learned that I’m the best in the world. I was there for a few years, I beat up quite a few people, and I gained my confidence way more than I had before in WWE, all the experience from the years before. What I’ve been taught by John Cena, by the Big Show, by all these great, amazing superstars that I fought in WWE, I had to put to the test when I was in AEW.
I had to use everything I’ve learned. After I did that, after I experimented, after I saw that I’m the best one there, I thought it was time to come back, no doubt, because I still have the goal to be a World Heavyweight Champion here in WWE.”
In other news: Stephanie Vaquer goes missing on Raw.