Rusev speaks about his wife, Lana, making out with Bobby Lashley in WWE.

When Rusev looks back at one of the most controversial storylines of his WWE career, there’s no doubt that the angle involving his real-life wife Lana and Bobby Lashley still sparks strong reactions from fans.
The storyline, which unfolded on WWE television in 2019, saw Lana enter into an on-screen romantic relationship with Lashley, culminating in several shocking segments — including moments where the two were shown kissing in front of a devastated Rusev. The angle quickly became one of the most talked-about storylines in the company at the time, drawing both massive attention and heavy criticism from the WWE Universe.
Speaking candidly in interviews after his WWE departure, Rusev admitted that while he understood the business side of sports entertainment, the storyline wasn’t easy to navigate emotionally. “It’s television. It’s a character. But at the same time, that’s my real wife,” he explained in past discussions. He emphasized that both he and Lana are professionals who understood the assignment, but that didn’t automatically make the situation comfortable.
Rusev noted that communication between him and Lana was key throughout the storyline. The two reportedly discussed every segment in advance, ensuring that neither felt blindsided or disrespected. According to Rusev, trust was the foundation that allowed them to get through the angle without it affecting their real-life marriage.
While some fans believed the storyline hurt Rusev’s on-screen momentum, others argue it kept him prominently featured on WWE programming for months. The dramatic wedding segments, surprise interruptions, and chaotic brawls with Lashley generated strong television ratings and social media buzz.
However, Rusev has hinted that creatively, he wished the story had gone in a different direction. Many fans felt the angle relied heavily on shock value rather than meaningful character development. Despite that, Rusev handled the situation with professionalism, separating fiction from reality.
Today, the storyline remains one of the most polarizing romantic angles in modern WWE history. For Rusev, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the wrestling business — where personal lives and scripted drama can sometimes blur in ways few other industries would dare attempt.