WWE Star Rusev Advises Wrestlers To Be Themselves Instead Of ‘Playing A Professional Wrestler’

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WWE star Rusev has commented on how wrestlers should perform as their real selves, rather than creating entirely separate characters.

Rusev returned to WWE in April 2025 after a run in AEW that saw him inactive from the end of 2023 onwards.

He’s most notably been embroiled in a feud with Sheamus, and is now in the Intercontinental Championship picture with Penta and champion Dominik Mysterio.

Speaking on the Identity Crisis podcast hosted by his wife CJ Perry (Lana), Rusev gave his thoughts on playing a character in wrestling, saying:

“I think more people should see who they are and do that, instead of, ‘Oh, I want to play a professional wrestler, what can I be? Hmm…’

“No, you’ve just gotta find who you are. Because if your character in the ring is closer to the one that you are outside, it’s so much easier.

“You don’t have to think twice, or you don’t have to be like, ‘Okay, I’ve gotta be mean here,’ or, ‘I’ve gotta smile here.’

“No, you’re just who you are. Just amplified by a thousand I would say, and be very mean and aggressive and kick people’s asses.”

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Dominik Mysterio vs Rusev vs Penta for Mysterio’s Intercontinental Championship is set for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on September 1.

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