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WWE 2K15 cover Superstar John Cena attends the WWE 2K15 SummerSlam Confidential Panel at Club Nokia, on Saturday, August 16, 2014 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for 2K/AP Images)
WWE 2K15 cover Superstar John Cena attends the WWE 2K15 SummerSlam Confidential Panel at Club Nokia, on Saturday, August 16, 2014 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for 2K/AP Images)Todd Williamson/Associated Press

John Cena, Daniel Bryan and Latest WWE News and Rumors from Ring Rust Radio

Mike ChiariMar 7, 2015

Ring Rust Radio is the best wrestling show on the airwaves, and this week was no different. With strong opinions on John Cena, Daniel Bryan and more, this is where you need to go to get all of your weekly WWE nuggets.

Bleacher Report featured columnists Mike Chiari, Donald Wood and Brandon Galvin give the lowdown on everything going on in the wrestling world. Also, ROH star ACH joined the show to offer his inside perspective on the business.

With another unpredictable episode of Ring Rust Radio in the books, you can't afford to miss another second of the action. Catch us live every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET (some language NSFW) or follow us on Twitter @RingRustRadio.

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We may just read your questions and comments live on the air. Visit our new website at RingRustRadio.com. You can also email us here: RingRustRadio@Yahoo.com.

*Some language NSFW.

Upcoming Guests/Events

March 10: Lucha Underground and ROH star Alberto El Patron

March 17: Lucha Underground star Son of Havoc and Mark Madness

March 24: Wrestling artist Rob Schamberger

Rusev Blocks John Cena's Rematch Request

Although Rusev needed to resort to unfair tactics, he defeated John Cena at WWE Fastlane by making him pass out via the Accolade. Cena understandably wants a rematch against the Bulgarian Brute at WrestleMania 31, but his request was once again shot down by the United States champion on Raw.

Question on Everybody's Mind: How Will Cena Get Rusev to Accept?

Cena also unsuccessfully lobbied for a rematch against Rusev one week earlier. The leader of the Cenation was seemingly resigned to doing something else at WrestleMania, which is why he tried to enter himself into the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. He was blocked by Stephanie McMahon, however, which resulted in him going back to the Rusev well.

Despite the absurdity of the notion, WWE is moving forward with a storyline that suggests Cena could be left off the WrestleMania card. Since Cena and Rusev have been feuding since the Royal Rumble, though, there is no doubt they will lock horns on the grandest stage of them all. The only real question relates to how Cena will convince the antagonist to fight him again.

This type of story has been told many times in wrestling over the years, and while it is fairly simplistic, it could turn out to be a solid angle if WWE adds an extra edge and dimension to Cena's character in order to goad Rusev into a match.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

Many fans were intrigued by the attitude displayed by Cena leading up to Fastlane, as he was extremely aggressive in his handling of Rusev. That dissipated in somewhat predictable fashion, although the writers left it so they could circle back to it. Having Cena essentially force Rusev into a match by imposing his will physically is something that could add a much-needed boost to their WrestleMania bout.

Based on the manner in which Cena has been booked over the years, though, that isn't the expectation. Since this feud has shifted from a young-versus-old angle to Russia versus the United States, look for Cena to insult Russia, its president and perhaps even Lana in an effort to enrage Rusev.

Comedy isn't the ideal way to make this match happen, but WWE has a way of downplaying the importance of Cena matches at times by having him crack jokes, and that will be the case once again this time around.

Rumor Mill

Possible stipulation for Cena versus Rusev (DailyWrestlingNews.com via Inquisitr.com)

Daniel Bryan Trending Toward IC Title Ladder Match

Many WWE fans were hopeful that Daniel Bryan would defeat Roman Reigns at Fastlane and move on to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. That wasn't the case, though, and the popular Superstar has essentially been left out in the cold.

He has had some involvement in the storyline surrounding the Intercontinental Championship, but his WrestleMania role is far from decided at this point.

Question on Everybody's Mind: What Will Be Bryan's Role at WrestleMania?

Since losing at Fastlane, Bryan has been mired in a state of uncertainty. With Bad News Barrett getting thrust into a multi-man ladder match with his Intercontinental Championship on the line, Bryan has been on the outskirts.

Dean Ambrose, R-Truth, Luke Harper and Dolph Ziggler are definitive entrants into the match, and while Bryan continues to get involved in those segments, his actions haven't necessarily solidified his status.

On the surface, this IC title ladder match has all the makings of a contest that could steal the show in Santa Clara. It is already stacked with plenty of high-caliber workers, and Bryan would most definitely add to that. At the same time, Bryan is one of the biggest and most popular stars in WWE, so he deserves to have the spotlight to himself in a singles match.

Almost everyone of consequence seems to be partnered up with WrestleMania just a couple weeks away, though, which means Bryan may be stuck.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

As things currently stand, it looks like there is only one potential option for Bryan in terms of a singles match, and that would be a date with Sheamus.

They have already faced each other twice at WrestleMania, but their bouts didn't live up to their potential. One of them was moved to the pre-show, while the other lasted just 18 seconds, as the Celtic Warrior gave Bryan a Brogue Kick to win the World Heavyweight Championship.

Bryan and Sheamus were initially supposed to lock horns at WrestleMania XXX, but a series of events led to Bryan ending that show as WWE World Heavyweight champion. Vignettes have aired heralding Sheamus' return over the past several weeks, which could signal the start of something big for him, since it would be somewhat odd for him to return in a multi-man ladder match or Battle Royal after so much hype.

WWE has to be holding back on putting Bryan in the ladder match for a reason, and that reason is likely to have him face Sheamus, who could turn out to be a formidable opponent, provided WWE finally pulls the trigger on a heel turn.

Rumor Mill

Backstage news on plans for Sheamus (PWInsider via WrestlingInc.com)

RRR Interview with ROH's ACH

ACH is one of the fastest-rising stars Ring of Honor has to offer, and that was apparent at the recent ROH 13th Anniversary pay-per-view in Las Vegas as he took on A.J. Styles in what was arguably the match of the night. Prior to that phenomenal affair, the 27-year-old grappler sat down with Ring Rust Radio to discuss his evolution into a top-flight star.

Question on Everybody's Mind: What's Next for ACH?

Although ACH was defeated by Styles, the fact that he was even part of that match speaks volumes about his ascent.

Over the past several months, it has become abundantly clear that ROH trusts him in big spots. In addition to his clash with Styles, ACH has also taken on the likes of Alberto El Patron and ROH World Heavyweight champion Jay Briscoe. Being placed on the same level as such talented wrestlers is a major vote of confidence in ACH's ability.

ACH benefits from the fact he is capable of putting on a great match with pretty much anyone. Having that type of versatility means there are more opportunities to take advantage of. He is one of the best high-flyers in the sport right now, and although he is still in process of perfecting his character, his unbelievable athleticism is ensuring he remains an important part of the product in the meantime.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

ROH has been on a major roll as of late in terms of continuing to bring in big name talent. Samoa Joe made his return to the company at the 13th Anniversary show, and ACH welcomed the addition. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that ACH has already been booked to face the former ROH World Heavyweight champion at an upcoming event in Milwaukee.

Regardless of whether ACH wins or loses that match, it will be another feather in his cap. Every eventual great in ROH has started at the bottom and worked toward the top. That has been the case with ACH, and he is clearly much closer to the pinnacle now than ever before.

ACH acknowledged on RRR that eventually making the jump to WWE is a goal of his, but he also made it clear that he is happy with and focused on ROH. ACH still has plenty to accomplish and conquer on the independent scene, and all signs point toward him doing precisely that.

Ring Rust Radio's Season 7 Fantasy WWE Standings

1. Brandon Galvin: 372.5

2. Joe Arcidiacono: 245

3. Mike Chiari: 217.5

4. Donald Wood: 60

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio. Catch the latest episode in the player below (some language NSFW).

Follow @RingRustRadio on Twitter.

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