WWE United States Champion Rusev was recently interviewed by Planeta Wrestling to promote his upcoming title defense against Shinsuke Nakamura at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) this weekend (Sun. January 27, 2019). Rusev discussed “Rusev Day” initially being planned as a one-off, being United States Champion, and not having an easy title defense against Nakamura. Here are the highlights:
“Rusev Day” initially being planned as a one-off: “It was supposed to be a one off, just a celebration after I beat Randy Orton and that was it,” said Rusev. “A few weeks after I was going “Rusev Day, Rusev Day” and people really started digging it, even in the backstage with the New Day and with Aiden signing “Rusev Day” helped. People just got it and loved the whole concept and it became really big.”
Being United States Champion: “I went from being the most hated or one of the most hated to now being praised. I loved being both,” said Rusev. “Being the United States champion, it makes me elevate the title even more because at the end of the day that is what I wanna do.
“I wanna elevate the title whether it be the world championship, the universal championship, any of these titles. That is what it means to me and that is why every time I step foot in that ring I wanna have a great match to prove that this title belongs right there with all the rest.”
Not having an easy title defense against Nakamura: “No, it is not gonna be easy but I got to figure out how to escape those things and count on my own,” said Rusev. “All the previous matches that we had were all great matches and I have no doubt we are gonna do just as good if not even better than that.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZiNy5pY1AQ&feature=youtu.be
H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions
