Rusev Reveals WWE Once Gave Him 60 Days to Save His Job

Before Rusev became one of WWE’s most dominant forces, The Bulgarian Brute came dangerously close to losing everything.

Long before “Rusev Day” chants filled arenas, the powerhouse was fighting for his job in WWE’s developmental system — and the company didn’t sugarcoat it. In an interview with CBS Sports, Rusev opened up about his early struggles in WWE after signing in 2010. At the time, he was just a former taxi driver trying to chase his wrestling dream. But a series of devastating injuries nearly ended that dream before it started.

In 2011, Rusev tore his ACL and meniscus, putting him out of action for six months. When he finally returned, disaster struck again — a neck injury left his arms temporarily paralyzed. By the time he recovered, WWE management had seen enough and issued a brutal ultimatum: improve fast or get fired.

“Again, I was pushed against the wall with nowhere else to go,” Rusev said. “I remember that very vividly… After having that meeting about, ‘You have this much time left here,’ I once again went back and started revisiting my character. What could I do better? If you ask something of me, I’ll deliver.”

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That do-or-die moment became the turning point of his career. Rusev completely reinvented himself, sharpening his skills and committing fully to his persona. The gamble paid off — he rose through the ranks, debuted on WWE’s main roster, and eventually became one of its most recognizable names.

Fast forward to today, Rusev is back in WWE and once again proving that resilience pays off. His journey from being nearly fired to holding gold on the main stage is the kind of comeback story that defines professional wrestling.