After nearly an entire year of running roughshod over the WWE roster, Rusev’s undefeated streak and United States Championship reign came to an end at the hands of John Cena at WrestleMania 31.
The finish saw Rusev locked in the STF. As he was about to reach the ropes, Cena broke the hold and began approaching Lana, who was standing on the apron. Rusev went to clothesline Cena, but Cena moved and Rusev hit Lana.
Cena then hit the Attitude Adjustment for the victory. WWE snapped a photo of the winner:
After the match, Rusev was seen yelling at Lana:
WrestleMania captured video of Cena’s memorable entrance:
Cena’s patriotism bled into his post-match celebration:
Rusev arguably had the better entrance, though, riding to the entrance ramp on a tank:
Josh Nason of the Wrestling Observer also felt the match allowed for enough leeway for Rusev to maintain much of his heat:
Following victories over the likes of Jack Swagger, Big Show, Mark Henry and Sheamus, Rusev looked to be an unstoppable force. Cena has made a career out of overcoming the odds, though, and he did so once again on the big stage.
It isn’t often that Cena loses matches, but when he and The Bulgarian Brute met for the first time at WWE Fastlane, the leader of the Cenation came out on the wrong end.
Rusev made Cena pass out in the Accolade after hitting him with a low blow, but that loss only motivated Cena even more to beat the Russian sympathizer and bring the United States title back to America.
With Rusev continuing to bash the USA, Cena was determined to get payback at WrestleMania, according to WWE Universe on Twitter:
Cena and Rusev traded the upper hand on several occasions during the build toward their match, and despite Cena’s long track record of success, Rusev was defiant:
