Bobby Roode’s next opponent has a name and a Holiday to call his own. Tonight (Jan. 30) on SmackDown Live Rusev Day was glorious.
With a title shot hanging in the balance, Rusev competed with Zack Ryder, Jinder Mahal and Kofi Kingston in a fatal four-way match to determine the next man to challenge the throne of Roode.
In a crowded ring, traffic ran heavy outside the squared circle as well. One moment changed the entire landscape of the match and it involved pancakes.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! pic.twitter.com/XOFrDUaXd3
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) January 31, 2018
After the accident, Rusev took control of the match-up.
PANCAKES and BODIES are FLYING as @RusevBUL @ZackRyder @TrueKofi & @JinderMahal square off for the opportunity to face @REALBobbyRoode for the #USTitle! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/lWebikYXvF
— WWE (@WWE) January 31, 2018
HEAD OF STEAM on The #BulgarianBrute @RusevBUL! He wants BACK in the #USTitle picture! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/YPN4s9fbsa
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 31, 2018
The back half of the fatal four-way melted down into chaos, with Rough Ryders, SOS’s Cobra Clutches, all being thrown into the contest.
Leaving only Rusev and Kingston in the ring, the Bulgarian blocked Kofi’s SOS attempt and countered it into an Accolade submission. With nowhere to go, Kingston was forced to tap and Rusev earned his shot at US Champion Bobby Roode next week on SmackDown.
#SDLive pic.twitter.com/sCVFowMtGH
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubItal) January 31, 2018
Who takes home the title next Tuesday night, Roode to retain or Rusev in an upset?
Follow along with our a live blog and complete results of SmackDown live here.