MEMPHIS, Tenn. — United States Champion Rusev has never been pinned. He has never tapped out. Now, after an intense WWE Fastlane showdown against John Cena, he can also boast a major victory over a 15-time World Champion — even if the means to achieving that win were decisively underhanded.

Match photos | Rusev & Lana comment on the "controversial"

It’s been nearly a decade since the Cenation leader last spun the face of the United States Title and he looked to recapture his thrice-held prize at Fastlane. But more so, Cena’s goal was to serve defeat to the man without a decisive defeat in his WWE career to date. With Cena adding “Reckless Abandon” to his “Hustle, Loyalty and Respect” mantra in the weeks leading up to his clash against the vicious Hero of The Russian Federation, their match was destined to be epic.

Live in Memphis’ FedEx Forum, Cena opened the bout with a huge right hand that stunned Rusev, but his tough opponent quickly claimed his edge, utilizing his feet as an effective weapon the Russian goliath hoped would put Cena away early. Rusev then drove his opponent into the ringside barricade, sending a statement that he was looking to crush his prey for good.

As the match grew more and more intense, every attempt by Cena to mount an offense was met head-on by Rusev’s unrelenting force. In fact, in some instances during the bout, it seemed as if Cena may have very well “lost a step,” as his adversary claimed in the weeks leading to their showdown.

Despite Rusev’s crippling assault, however, Cena — true to his nature — refused to give in. Nevertheless, The Hero of the Russian Federation countered him at every turn, even stopping both an Attitude Adjustment and an STF attempt in their respective tracks.



Finally, Cena’s resilience paid off when he executed an incredible counter to lock his foe in the STF — a move that’s defeated countless Superstars and champions over Cena’s decorated career — only to see Rusev break the signature maneuver, twice! The U.S. Champion appeared to be unstoppable when the Russian Superstar kicked out of the Attitude Adjustment moments later. It seemed that no matter what Cena threw at the titleholder, Rusev could simply not be brought down.

Focused on felling Cena, Rusev managed to lock in the Accolade on his challenger. Pushed by the support of the Cenation, the 15-time World Champion looked as if he might actually break the brutal hold. As Rusev teetered on Cena’s raising frame, Lana shrewdly stepped into the ring to distract the referee, allowing The Bulgarian Brute to relinquish his submission just long enough to drop Cena with a low blow and charging foot to the skull, then once again lock in the Accolade, this time on an unconscious Cena! Moments later, with the challenger still motionless in Rusev’s clutches, the official was left no choice but to call for the bell and award the victory to the United States Champion.

The Hero of the Russian Federation claimed his greatest victory to date at WWE Fastlane. Rusev reigned supreme over John Cena in a sea of controversy, but is it possible that the Cenation will remain conquered Russian territory? Or will there be yet another battle in an unfinished war, perhaps as early as live on Raw?