CJ Perry says Rusev isnt just preparing for WrestleMania hes training like hes starring in his own Rocky movie ahead of one of the most dangerous matches on the card. In her debut column for Uncrowned on Yahoo Sports, Perry revealed that Rusev made a major decision ahead of WrestleMania 42 by returning to Bulgaria to train for the six-man Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship. The bout is set for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and features defending champion Penta along with Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, JeVon Evans, and JD McDonagh. Rusev qualified for the match by defeating Otis on WWE Main Event earlier this month, locking in his spot in what could be one of the most physically demanding matches of the night. According to Perry, his preparation has been intense, and shes been getting daily reminders of just how hard hes pushing himself ahead of the high-risk ladder environment. That Rocky-style comparison stands out because ladder matches demand conditioning, endurance, and toughness as much as strength. With five other competitors all chasing the same title hanging above the ring, preparation like this could be the difference between climbing the ladder or crashing down. WrestleMania ladder matches have built careers and created unforgettable moments, and it sounds like Rusev is treating this opportunity as one that could change everything if he can outlast the field and capture the Intercontinental Championship. Do you think Rusevs Rocky-style training will give him the edge in the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match, or will speed and high-flying ability from the other competitors decide the winner? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you think. G Add as a preferred source on Google
