PWInsider has indicated that a Rusev vs. Sheamus program has been pitched for the Raw brand. This development follows Rusev’s return to WWE and his confirmed upcoming in-ring activity on Monday nights.
Rusev returned to WWE programming in April 2025, following his 2020 release and a subsequent period in AEW as Miro, where he held the TNT Championship. He reappeared on the April 21, 2025, Raw, attacking Alpha Academy. It has since been reported Rusev signed a new two-year WWE contract. Rusev is scheduled to face Akira Tozawa in a singles match on the May 26, 2025, episode of Raw. His wife, CJ Perry (Lana), also reportedly signed a WWE Legends deal.
Sheamus is a multi-time world champion and a veteran member of the Raw roster. He returned from injury in early 2025 and reportedly signed a new five-year contract. Sheamus has been active on Raw in recent weeks.
A program between Rusev and Sheamus would revisit their past interactions. The two feuded over the WWE United States Championship in late 2014, with Rusev defeating Sheamus for the title on November 3, 2014, in a match on the WWE Network. This marked Rusev’s first championship in WWE.
Additionally, Rusev and Sheamus were members of The League of Nations faction from late 2015 to April 2016, along with Alberto Del Rio and King Barrett. The group often acted as antagonists to Roman Reigns and participated in several prominent matches before disbanding.
The reported pitch for a Rusev vs. Sheamus program could utilize their shared history for new storylines. Both wrestlers are known for a physical, brawling in-ring style. A feud against Sheamus could be a significant program for Rusev as he re-establishes himself on Raw. Given Rusev’s previous popularity and Sheamus’s established role, a rivalry between them could generate fan interest. Such a program would feature two experienced heavyweights and could serve as a notable non-title feud on Raw.
While the PWInsider report describes this as a “pitched idea,” Rusev’s active in-ring status, highlighted by his scheduled match against Tozawa, makes a Rusev vs. Sheamus program a plausible development for Monday Night Raw.
