WWE's Rusev Calls Out Jake Paul for Fight

Wrestler says his boxing coach believes he has the power to seriously hurt the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:57pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, featuring overlapping planes of color and shape representing a hypothetical fight between Rusev and Jake Paul, without any identifiable faces or figures.A cubist depiction of the potential clash between WWE Superstar Rusev and YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul.Las Vegas Today

WWE Superstar Rusev has his sights set on a fight with Jake Paul, claiming his boxing coach believes he has the power to seriously damage the YouTuber-turned-boxer. Rusev says he would 'love to put his hands on that guy' and referenced Paul's past jaw injury, suggesting he's not worried about what Paul brings to the table.

Why it matters

This potential matchup between a professional wrestler and a celebrity boxer would generate significant interest and attention, especially given Rusev's confidence in his abilities and the history of bad blood between the two. It also speaks to the growing crossover between combat sports and entertainment.

The details

Rusev, who is set to compete in a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania, says his boxing coach has been pushing him to pursue a fight with Jake Paul. Rusev believes he has a 'mean right hook' that could seriously hurt Paul, and he referenced Paul's past jaw injury, joking that he's 'half Terminator' to suggest he's not worried about what the YouTuber-turned-boxer brings to the table.

  • Rusev is set to compete in a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania this weekend in Las Vegas.
  • Jake Paul most recently fought and lost to Anthony Joshua, resulting in a busted jaw, in 2025.

The players

Rusev

A WWE Superstar known as the 'Bulgarian Brute' who is set to compete in a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania.

Jake Paul

A YouTuber-turned-boxer who has made a name for himself by taking on fighters from various combat sports backgrounds, most recently suffering a busted jaw in a loss to Anthony Joshua.

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What they’re saying

“I would definitely love to put my hands on that guy.”

— Rusev, WWE Superstar

“My boxing coach believes I have a 'mean right hook' that could seriously do damage in the ring.”

— Rusev, WWE Superstar

“Jake's half Terminator, so I'm not exactly worried about what he brings to the table.”

— Rusev, WWE Superstar

What’s next

Rusev is currently focused on his upcoming ladder match at WrestleMania, but it's clear he has his sights set on a potential fight with Jake Paul in the future.

The takeaway

This potential matchup between a professional wrestler and a celebrity boxer highlights the growing crossover between combat sports and entertainment, as well as the willingness of athletes from different disciplines to challenge each other in the ring.