Rusev Reveals Ridiculous Reason He Lost “Alexander” From His Name

WWE fans have become accustomed to the fact that their favourite NXT star will probably have their name changed as soon as they hit the main roster. Rusev was one of the first victims of this, tragically losing his first name shortly after debuting on the main roster in 2014.

Rusev recently spoke to a Bulgarian talk show about why the decision was made to drop the name, and as you have probably guessed, it was Vince McMahon’s idea.

“[WWE] gives you an option to submit names you like. And I was thinking about it. Then to make a joke with my friend Vasil, Vasil Rusev, who I used to share a rowing boat with, I chose Rusev. And I was Alexander Rusev with Alexander later being dropped. I liked Alexander because it sounded [mighty] and Bulgarian. But then it got dropped because Vince Mcmahon said ‘Ugh, Alexander, they’ll start calling you Alex as a nickname and you have to be a Russian/Bulgarian villain, we’re dropping it.’”

Yeah because Skip Sheffield and Husky Harris sound like terrifying heels, Vince.

Rusev is currently taking some time away from the ring, and there is a lot of speculation as to how much longer his WWE contract has left on it.

While not directly admitting it, Rusev’s social media posts have increasingly hinted at being unhappy in WWE and looking to leave.

Quotes courtesy of Wrestling Inc.

• Alexander Rusev
• Rusev
• Vince McMahon
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