When the man known as Rusev was released from WWE and joined AEW as Miro, there were hopes he could reach the potential he showed in the No. 1 company in the business. Early in his run, he became one of the promotion’s most interesting acts. However, as time went on, AEW creative seemed unsure of how to use him, and he ended up sitting on the sidelines for most of 2024.
With no upcoming plans, AEW gave him the release rumors claim he was asking for. On Wednesday, after weeks of rumors, PW Insider reported that the former US Champ has indeed re-signed with WWE. When he does return to WWE television, here are eight men that would be perfect opponents for Miro, AKA Rusev.
Damian Priest
Damian Priest is always looking for new and fresh competition. As one of the largest men on the roster, it can be hard to find him a foe that is a real threat. Miro would fill that need perfectly. He is a sizable talent who has always been very athletic for his frame. A rivalry between the two could deliver some good matches.
Jey Uso
Assuming Jey Uso defeats Gunther at WrestleMania 41, he will need some title challengers in the months ahead. Miro would certainly fill that need. Especially if that is his first major feud back in WWE. The former AEW star would be a real threat for Uso’s world title reign. And it would put the man once known as Rusev in a major storyline right away.
Oba Femi
Similar to Uso, NXT Champion Oba Femi needs more title challengers in the months ahead. WWE could go in a surprising direction and have Miro start his second run in the company in NXT. Drew McIntyre did that and went straight to the top of the brand. If Miro wants a featured role, being a top star during one of NXT’s hottest periods would be a great opportunity for him. And entering the fray via a rivalry with Femi would be a good way to start that run.
Bron Breakker
Who doesn’t like seeing two powerful and athletic performers lock horns? On a pure match level, a clash between Bron Breakker and Miro could be fantastic. But Breakker has lacked a serious long-term feud since joining the main roster. Miro could be a great option, and a rivalry could elevate both men.
Bronson Reed
Similar to a feud with Breakker, matches between Miro and Bronson Reed could be dynamite. They are two surprisingly agile men for their size, but both are also rock-solid at progressing stories with their words. A long-term beef could deliver some really good TV for WWE during the summer.
Drew McIntyre
Some may have forgotten (maybe on purpose) or may not realize that Miro and Drew McIntyre were once in a faction together. The League of Nations flopped, but both have shown since then that they were talented performers who were underutilized. Playing off of that history in a rivalry on the main roster could deliver entertaining segments and matches.
LA Knight
With LA Knight now in his second reign as United States Champion, he will need major threats to help him take his latest run as champ to levels the first go-around did not reach. A Miro and Knight rivalry would be something wrestling fans have never seen before. And their matches could be some of the best we’ll see in the era of LA Knight (Yeah!) as champ.
Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu has quickly become one of the hottest new stars on the WWE roster. Despite being a heel, the “Fatu” chants grow louder each week on Smackdown. A baby face turns in on the horizon, and he will need some men to go to war with. A clash between Fatu and Miro would be fire inside the ring and is something we need to see if the former AEW star returns to WWE soon.
