What Is Rusev Without Lana?

Lana is taking some time off to make a WWE movie. That leaves Rusev alone as he continues his feud with John Cena. Is this the beginning of the end for Rusev? Some might say that entering a feud against John Cena was the beginning of the end for Rusev.

Rusev has been pushed well since his debut last year. Very well. He has been climbing up that ladder of opponents. He has won a title. But what really makes him credible and interesting right now? He has his undefeated streak. He has the United States title. He has his gimmick. He had a manager. Just because Lana is away now does not mean the duo is completely done. But losing his manager is not the only issue. Rusev stands to lose his undefeated streak and title next week. Once you take that first defeat, more will come. I can imagine Rusev taking losses to Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, and even Jack Swagger before the year is up. Even if the gimmick is still there, he will not be pushed with the same focus.

There have been many men like Rusev. I mean heels pushed very well for a certain period that even had managers or some type of sidekick. Umaga. Lord Tensai. The Great Khali. And not all have been big monsters. Alberto Del Rio had a sidekick. Jack Swagger had a manager. No pairing seems to last forever. Does Rusev have what it takes to stand on his own? Without even bringing up the likely depush, is he a good enough performer to be interesting without his manager? He is not completely incompetent on the mic. He can talk. As for his in-ring ability, he is good. I always see fans praising him for his selling ability. Lana definitely helps to make him more interesting, but he is capable on his own.

What is Lana without Rusev? Look back at those other men I just mentioned that had some type of manager or sidekick. Once the pairing broke up, nothing too major happened with the manager. Some of them were wrestlers, but the WWE didn't really push them too well. It seems they were only there to serve a purpose. Once they were done serving that purpose, their character was phased out. That is what usually happens. There are a few exceptions.

Lana should not end up like those guys. Lana is what an eye-candy periphery diva is supposed to be. She might be the best eye-candy periphery diva since the days of Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson. She is hot and she can play a great character. Fans are interested in her. If a depush does come for Rusev, I would not bother pairing her back up with him. I don't think she should become a wrestling diva. It is obviously up to her and the WWE, but I cannot imagine her being featured well in this messy diva division where they cannot even be efficient with divas they want to be stars. Pair her up with another guy to manage. Possibly make her an authority figure one day. You can also have her change her gimmick. This is not a woman they should just lose in the shuffle.