Rusev Loss at Fastlane Would Diminish Year-Long Build

From the moment Rusev defeated Zack Ryder the night after WrestleMania XXX, WWE Creative has done an absolutely magnificent job of building the Bulgarian Brute up as an unstoppable force.

Sans two Battle Royal losses, both at the hands of Roman Reigns, the current WWE United States champion has torn through the competition, gradually making his way through the ranks, dispatching of popular, accomplished midcard stars.

Big E was first, proving that Rusev had the strength and athleticism to match moves with another impressive young star in the company. Next was Jack Swagger, a former world champion who failed to represent the United States in a global war with Rusev and Russia.

Big Show, Mark Henry and Sheamus all fell in defeat at the hands of the relative newcomer, proving that neither past champions nor all-time greats were safe from the wrath of the powerful Super-Athlete.

Every step Rusev has taken up the proverbial ladder in WWE has been intricately planned to lead him to a one-on-one showdown with the company's resident superhero, John Cena.

That is why it was such a curious decision on the part of management to book the much-anticipated match between the Superstars for Fastlane rather than waiting for WrestleMania.

Most expect that Rusev has been built to the level that he has specifically to be defeated by Cena at some point. The same thing happened to Umaga, who was similar to the Bulgarian Brute in terms of style, size and athleticism. While Cena beating Rusev is absolutely the right booking decision, having it occur at Fastlane would be a critical misstep.

Make no mistake about it: The February 22 pay-per-view event is a B-level show at best.

It has little notoriety, and barring a spectacular match, the show is unlikely to be remembered past a few weeks. This raises the question of why WWE Creative would culminate Rusev's unpinned, unsubmitted streak at a show that is destined to be an afterthought rather than bring it to an end on the biggest stage imaginable.

Working with John Cena at WrestleMania brings with it a certain prestige. The leader of the Cenation is the biggest star the industry has to offer. He is the one constant in the industry and the measuring stick for any and all Superstars looking to ascend to the top of the business.

To be chosen to stand across the ring from him when the lights are brightest is a boost to anyone's credibility. Rusev is already among the most over heels on the roster but would instantly be elevated in the eyes of the fans with a 'Mania showdown against the former 15-time champion.

A loss at Fastlane, on the other hand, would ruin what has been a year-long build.

It would prove that Rusev is just another midcard heel who stepped up to the plate, lost to Cena in a meaningless match on some nondescript pay-per-view and was sent tumbling back down the card. It has happened to everyone from The Miz to Wade Barrett, Alberto Del Rio to Christian.

Rusev is a rare exception, a young heavyweight who exploded onto the scene and actually justified his push with constantly improving and evolving in-ring skills. He is incredibly over, has a smoking-hot valet and the athleticism necessary for the fans to buy him as a legitimate threat to any star he competes against.

Wasting that potential star on a show no one cares about would be a tremendous injustice to both Rusev and Lana, who have worked hard to get the character over, and fans who have invested so much of their energy into the performer over the last year.