Sometimes WWE looks at a Superstar and it’s obvious that they have “it” but when WWE places them on the roster it just doesn’t quite work for them in regards to how they are used. The crowds might boo someone that the WWE office would rather them cheer for and vice versa. This is just more proof that even though Vince McMahon makes the decisions the fans really hold the power in the situation.
Rusev has always been booked as an arrogant heel and although his hatred for America seems to have diminished slightly in recent months, his pompous nature is still evident. He used to call himself Handsome Rusev and that was really fun. Now that it’s Rusev Day every day, we’re never out of a holiday season. People are supposed to boo him, but he’s just so darn entertaining it’s hard to hate him especially if you’ve seen him be himself on Total Divas.
On the other hand, Tye Dillinger is the Perfect 10 and is notoriously cheered. He was a favorite on NXT’s television show and popped the crowd like nobody’s business. Everyone was chanting “10” in his general direction while proving they knew how to count by holding up that many fingers. But if you take a step back and analyze the situation, someone who goes as “The Perfect 10” might be better off as a heel.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported WWE tested out an interesting double-turn between Rusev and Tye Dillinger recently and it was received well by the crowd. The Raleigh, North Carolina show saw Rusev making a babyface comeback and winning with the Accolade against Tye Dillinger. Although the “10” chants were thick, Dave Meltzer compared them to how crowds use the “What” chant during a match.
If WWE is testing this kind of babyface reaction for Rusev at house shows and it’s well-received who knows how far this shtick with Aiden English might last on television. It’s certainly entertaining me every week.
