Following the bombshell decision that Rusev would be added to the United States Title Match at WrestleMania -- making it a Fatal 4-Way -- two former allies met in the ring this week, as The Bulgarian Brute faced off against The Modern Day Maharaja on SmackDown LIVE.
Sunil Singh backed up Jinder Mahal, while Aiden English patrolled Rusev’s corner, and Bobby Roode added guest commentary. Both laid it all on the line while seeking a monumental victory heading into The Show of Shows this Sunday. In the pivotal moments, The Super Athlete bested The Modern Day Maharaja with a pinpoint Machka Kick for the win.
Rusev’s celebration would be short-lived, as United States Champion Randy Orton slid into the ring and struck The Bulgarian Brute with a thunderous RKO. In turn, Aiden English attempted to come to Rusev’s aid, first putting the boots to Orton and then by going up to the second rope, clearly ready to pounce on The Viper. However, The Glorious One hopped onto the apron and pushed The Mozart of Mayhem right into The Apex Predator, who was waiting with yet another RKO outta nowhere.
Roode and Orton then faced off, both clearly fired up for the United States Title Match this Sunday, and The Glorious One showed his respect for The Viper by handing him the star-spangled championship.