Former WWE Star Rusev Debuts in AEW as Miro

Rusev, a former WWE superstar who was under contract with the promotion from 2010-2020, made his debut with AEW on Wedneday as Miro.

Miro was introduced as Kip Sabian's best man for his upcoming wedding to Penelope Ford.

Rusev, a three-time United States championship belt holder, was released in April as part of a wave of cost-cutting measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Nineteen wrestlers, including former WWE champion and Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, were cut alongside referee Mike Chioda.

As for Wednesday's episode of AEW: Dynamite, Rusev delivered a killer promo in his debut, dropping this line about his decade with WWE.

"Ten years in the same house under the same glass ceiling, with the imaginary brass ring," Rusev said. "Well you can take that brass ring and shove it up your ass!"

He then praised AEW, saying "elite recognizes elite."

Miro, whose real life name is Miroslav Barnyashev, then added these lines after fans chanted his name.

"That's right. My name is Miro, and elite recognizes elite. Elite recognizes the best." He also called himself "the best man."

AEW confirmed Miro's arrival with a tweet soon after appearing in the ring.

Per Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet, Miro's contract with AEW "lasts for over a year."