I always knew what I had, and I knew I was more than just 'the foreign guy.' I have personality, and as soon as I had chance to show it, I just did it. A lot of people don't like it, and a lot of people frown upon it and think I should just be stuck in that box, but it's just not me.

Rusev

Becoming heavyweight champion and holding the top title is on my bucket list. That spot is always getting tighter and tighter, but why not? A man can always dream.

Rusev

I always knew what I had, and I knew I was more than just 'the foreign guy.' I have personality, and as soon as I had chance to show it, I just did it. A lot of people don't like it, and a lot of people frown upon it and think I should just be stuck in that box, but it's just not me.

Rusev

Holy crap, cross fit! It's terrible, but I'm doing that now. Anything so that I can look better.

Rusev

I've always had an interest in Muay Thai fighting. I love the discipline and toughness of it, so I traveled to Thailand to study ways to incorporate it into my style.

Rusev

When an American person hears you speak a different language, you're automatically the bad guy.

Rusev

I wake up, and the first thing is to find a Starbucks so I can get a coffee. After that, I have a breakfast and head into the gym.

Rusev

It doesn't really matter how famous I am. What's important is that Bulgaria is represented in a good and positive way all around the world.

Rusev

Eventually, one day, you know, cream rises to the top. So, you know, I'm waiting... I'm waiting for the rise.

Rusev

I had so much backlash because, before in NXT, I used to come out with the Bulgarian national anthem. And people were like, 'Oh, why are you embarrassing the anthem?' How am I embarrassing the anthem? I'm from the freaking country.

Rusev

When I get fired up, all of that is me. You have to have fun with it because it's who you are.

Rusev

I worked at Wendy's for a week.

Rusev

The Rock taught me you don't always have to talk or move all the time. You can just stand there and soak it in. Let the crowd just do what they do.

Rusev

It all started as a dream. Just watching as a kid, just watching Hogan, just watching WWF - it was amazing.

Rusev

How does Vince McMahon feel about Rusev Day? He's supportive; he's trying to teach me a lot.

Rusev

I had the opportunity to come to the United States of America as an exchange student, so I had to come for four months, work, and then go back.

Rusev

I have a freaking tattoo of Bulgaria on my shoulder. I'm proud of it.

Rusev

I attended sports school in Bulgaria just like my parents. I attended class twice a day and trained twice a day.

Rusev

Long before the late '90s, being a pro-wrestler was a dream of mine. At that time, I was going around the block, searching for VHS tapes so I can watch Hulk Hogan.

Rusev

I learned to kick trees with my bare feet to strengthen my legs.

Rusev

When you have been stuck in that heel, bad-guy role as the foreigner who never talks, you want to get out of there, have fun, and just be you.

Rusev