In a followup on yesterday’s news that The Undertaker would be returning to the ring to face Rusev in a Casket Match at the Greatest Royal Rumble event, WWE.com has announced that a returning Chris Jericho will replace Rusev in that match.
This comes after TMZ posted a misleading article suggesting Rusev & manager Lana responded to news of the match stating “Rusev’s Gonna Retire Undertaker … CRUSH His Old Ass!” As you can see in this video, neither said anything of the sort while even being somewhat in character.
The TMZ article made waves however with Undertaker’s wife, Michelle McCool responding on Twitter:
Had to listen to see if “crush his old a$$” was ACTUALLY said! Guess some people are smarter than others…😎🙄🖤 https://t.co/avOLWKORV8
— McCool (@McCoolMichelleL) April 12, 2018
Following this, WWE removed Rusev from the match entirely with Lana tweeting out this storyline reason:
All over the world, little boys and girls are celebrating #RusevDay, they smile for the greatest Superstar ever ! I’ve already spoke with @WWE officials to change that match because I REFUSE to let my husband @RusevBUL compete in a Casket Match at #WWEGRR! Happy #RusevDay
— CJ Perry (@TheCJPerry) April 12, 2018
Rusev then removed many references to WWE from his Twitter and Instagram bios and tweeted:
Life is life….. it will be #RusevDay somewhere
— Miro (@ToBeMiro) April 12, 2018