CJ Perry Calls For Rusev Title Push After Risk-Filled WrestleMania 42 Ladder Match Performance

CJ Perry didn’t hold back when reacting to Rusev’s performance at WrestleMania 42, making it clear she believes his showing in the Intercontinental Championship ladder match should lead straight into a title program.

Writing in her column for Yahoo Sports’ Uncrowned, Perry focused heavily on the risks Rusev took during the chaotic match and how he pushed himself far outside his normal style. She explained that he originally intended to stay grounded, but once the match escalated, he leaned fully into the danger.

“He said his plan was to stay grounded until the end, but instead that crazy Bulgarian beefcake went up the ladder, through the ladder, off the ladder and through the ladder.”

Perry made it clear that, in her view, Rusev proved exactly what he can do when given the chance to perform on a big stage. She described his effort as another example of him making the most of any opportunity he gets.

“I have never been more proud of how Rusev once again got to show the world that if you give him any screen time, he’ll make the most of it.”

She also described how intense the match felt from her perspective, noting that the nonstop action kept escalating as competitors crashed into ladders and scrambled for the title.

“I’m still hoarse from screaming at six people who couldn’t hear me.”

Perry didn’t stop at praise. She went a step further and made it clear she believes Rusev should now be pushed into a championship storyline following his WrestleMania performance.

“Now, point that brute toward a title program and watch him soar.”

The match itself took place during WrestleMania 42 Night 2 inside Allegiant Stadium, where fans packed the building despite high ticket prices. The six-pack ladder match featured Penta defending the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev, and Rey Mysterio in a fast-paced contest that never slowed down.

Several near-wins kept the crowd on edge, including a moment where Je’Von Evans nearly secured the championship while hanging from the title above the ring. Rusev stopped that attempt by pulling the ladder out from under Evans, sending him crashing down before the match continued with more high-risk moments.

Evans later fired back by launching off the ropes and connecting with an OG Cutter off the ladder onto Rusev, adding another major highlight to the match. In the closing moments, Penta took advantage of the chaos by delivering a Mexican Destroyer on Evans before climbing the ladder to retain the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania.

Even though Rusev didn’t walk away with the title, his role in the match — along with CJ Perry’s strong reaction — has fueled conversation about what could be next for him after WrestleMania 42.

Do you agree with CJ Perry that Rusev should be pushed into a title program after his WrestleMania performance, or do you think WWE should take him in a different direction next? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know.