The reason behind Rusev’s extended absence from WWE television has been clarified as a strategic creative decision.
According to PWInsider, WWE officials have opted to keep the “Bulgarian Brute” off-screen to ensure he remains “fresh” for a meaningful new storyline rather than being “wasted” in aimless matches.
Rusev has been largely absent from the spotlight since losing a quarter-final match to Jey Uso in the Last Time is Now tournament on November 21. Aside from a single match against Otis taped for Main Event on December 1, he has not been factored into recent programming.
This hiatus follows a return to the company after WrestleMania 41, where he signed a two-year contract following his departure from AEW. While away from the ring, Rusev is reportedly preparing to open the KECH Pro Wrestling Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 1.
This “freshening up” strategy is also being applied to The Street Profits (Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins). The duo has been kept off major broadcasts since their loss to the Wyatt Sicks in October, though they have continued to compete on Main Event. Reports suggest this hiatus may lead to a significant character reset in 2026, with rumors circulating that the team could potentially split to allow Montez Ford to pursue a singles career.
Similarly, Aleister Black is currently on a planned hiatus following a brutal Ambulance Match loss to Damian Priest on the January 2 episode of SmackDown. While the break was pre-determined to sell the effects of the match, Black did suffer a legitimate minor fracture to his tailbone during the contest.
The hiatus is expected to allow Black time to heal and prepare for a creative relaunch later this year. One would think that Black aims to be back in time for WrestleMania, if not as soon as next weekend’s Royal Rumble PLE.
