Rusev WWE Comeback: How Old Is He and Is Sheamus the Right Rival to Reignite His Legacy?

Rusev, the Bulgarian-born wrestler known for his powerhouse persona in WWE, made his official return to the company on 21 April 2025 during an episode of Monday Night Raw. The former United States Champion re-entered the WWE ring after a stint with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performed under the name Miro. His comeback has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and insiders, especially following his latest on-screen rivalry with fellow veteran Sheamus.

How Old Is Rusev and When Did He Return to WWE?

Rusev, born Miroslav Barnyashev on 25 December 1985 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is currently 39 years old. He first gained fame in WWE in the mid-2010s, capturing multiple titles and building a reputation as one of the company's most physically dominant performers.

After being released by WWE in April 2020 alongside Kurt Angle and other superstars, Rusev joined AEW and was rebranded as Miro. There, he held the TNT Championship and was involved in several high-profile feuds. However, his time in AEW faded in late 2023, with his departure confirmed in early 2025.

Rusev's return to WWE came as a surprise to many. He made his presence known on Raw by attacking Otis and Akira Tozawa just weeks after WrestleMania 41. This appearance marked the start of his renewed WWE run, and his first match back aired on 5 May, where he easily defeated Otis.

Why Is Rusev Feuding with Sheamus in WWE?

The return storyline has since transitioned into a feud with another WWE veteran, Sheamus. Known for his hard-hitting style and past championship reigns, Sheamus has long been positioned as a reliable opponent for returning superstars.

The tension between Rusev and Sheamus first surfaced during a backstage segment in June, which later culminated in a one-on-one match. After Rusev secured a win, Sheamus demanded a rematch, leading to their latest encounter on the 18 July edition of Raw.

WWE has framed the storyline around physicality and mutual respect rather than personal vendettas. While both wrestlers are no longer in the title picture, the feud has been built to reintroduce Rusev as a dominant force in the company's mid-card scene.

Is the Rusev vs Sheamus Storyline Working with Fans?

Fan and critic responses to the Rusev-Sheamus rivalry have been mixed. Some viewers appreciate the stiff, high-impact matches, while others question the lack of promo time and storyline depth.

In an exclusive interaction with Indiatimes, former WWE writer Vince Russo publicly criticised the booking, describing Rusev's current run as 'horrible' due to weak character development and the absence of Lana, Rusev's real-life wife and former manager.

Can a Rivalry with Sheamus Truly Reignite Rusev's WWE Career?

The ongoing feud has the potential to restore some of the momentum Rusev lost during his final years in WWE and AEW. However, questions remain about whether a programme with Sheamus, another mid-card mainstay, is sufficient to position him for a significant push.

Both men share a history of fluctuating pushes and underused periods, making the feud as much about redemption as competition. Rusev's future direction within WWE may ultimately depend on whether the company invests in further story development or higher-profile matchups.