Report: Reason for Rusev’s absence from WWE TV
An update is available regarding Rusev.
Rusev has not wrestled on SmackDown since losing to Jey Uso in the quarterfinals of The Last Time Is Now tournament on the November 21 episode.
According to a report from PWInsider, Rusev’s absence is due to WWE wanting to keep wrestlers who are not currently involved in storylines fresh by not having them on television.
Dave Meltzer reported a similar reason for The Street Profits’ absence in last week’s edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, writing, “Neither of the Street Profits are hurt. The decision was just made to take them off TV to allow them to freshen up.”
Rusev returned to WWE last April after a five-year absence. He reportedly signed a two-year deal with the company. He also announced earlier this month plans to open a wrestling school. The KECH Pro Wrestling Academy is set to open in Nashville, TN on March 1.
Ian Carey is a writer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose work has appeared in award-winning publications such as NOW Magazine and The Huffington Post. He joined the F4WOnline team in 2019 and was named managing editor in the summer of 2026. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Ian has covered professional wrestling for more than 15 years.