CJ Perry: Vince McMahon Wanted Rusev As His 300-Pound Bulgarian Brute After He Lost A Bunch Of Weight

Rusev went through a body transformation in 2019, slimming down to 260 pounds as he battled with Shinsuke Nakamura over the WWE United States Championship.

On Identity Crisis, Rusev spoke with his wife CJ Perry (Lana in WWE) about his transformation and what Vince McMahon had to say.

Perry: Are you okay with sharing this story of how in 2019, you lost a bunch of weight, and we have a meeting with Vince. What did he say to you about your new look? You were 260.

Rusev: He said he wanted the big Bulgarian. He wanted the 300-pound guy.

Perry: I remember him saying to you, ‘Where is my 300-pound Bulgarian Brute? I want my 300-pound Bulgarian Brute. That man puts asses in seats. I want you as a heel. I want you as a 300-pound Bulgarian Brute because that sells tickets.’ What did you say to him?

Rusev: What did I say?

Perry: You said, ‘Turn me heel, brother. I’m the best heel in the business. Turn me heel.’ Vince was like, ‘I have so many babyfaces, but I don’t have any 300-pound Bulgarian brutes.’

Rusev turned heel early in 2019, aligning with Nakamura.

He went on a hiatus from the company in June 2019, but returned as a babyface in September.

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