Backstage Details on The Rock’s Segment with Rusev on “RAW”

The latest edition of “Wrestling Observer Radio” has provided some backstage details on The Rock’s segment with Rusev on “RAW.” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a special appearance on the Oct. 6 edition of “Monday Night Raw,” interacting with the Bulgarian Brute and the Ravishing Russian Lana, eventually “laying the smack down” on the big Russian-sympathizer.

The in-ring segment was considered by most fans to be the most entertaining part of the show. The Rock “electrified” fans like only he can, engaging in a heated back-and-forth with both Lana and Rusev. At the end of their emphatic discussion, Rock laid into the “Hero of the Russian Federation” with multiple punches, knocking him to the floor below.

Where many were worried that The Rock may have been added to a segment with Rusev to hit him with a Rock Bottom and stint his growth as a monster heel, WWE had different plans. Officials successfully had Rock and Rusev get physical to give Rusev a big rub, but keep both he and Lana looking strong as characters.

Rock actually complimented Lana, while also referring to her as a streetwalker, but could have buried her as he has done to heel characters such as Vickie Guerrero in the past. However, Rock build the duo up, and no Rock Bottom or People’s Elbow was performed. Rusev was back on his feet immediately after being dumped to the outside, leaving he and his ravishing representative in a place of higher resolve than they were before the segment began.

While some aren’t banking on a Rusev vs. The Rock bout taking place on WWE television anytime soon, officials have not ruled out the idea in the future, as the match could possibly take place at WrestleMania 31 or during early 2015. The Rock is rumored to headline the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame class and compete at WrestleMania 31 in Santa Clara, California. If Vince McMahon gets his way, The Rock will face WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar at the event.

Editor’s Note:
I thought the segment was excellent. One of, if not the only, highlight of the show. It definitely gave Rusev a nice rub, not a burial.