As announced on Monday's WWE Raw, Rey Mysterio will be replacing Rusev in the Tuwaiq Trophy Gauntlet Match at WWE Super ShowDown.
Rusev was still listed on the graphic shown on WWE Raw, but it was noted that Mysterio would be taking his place. WWE updated the listing on their website at some point Monday night.
Mike Johnson at PWInsider initially reported WWE decided not to use Rusev for the match as he has not agreed on a new contract. However, Johnson has updated his report to say that "word making the rounds is that Rusev is citing a back issue."
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer said, “The story is an injury but he backed out of the show essentially, I guess at the last minute.”
Meltzer previously reported that Rusev was kept off television for a month due a contract dispute. It is unknown when Rusev's current WWE contract expires. His wife Lana signed a new five-year deal in November 2019.
Lana did make the trip to Saudi Arabia for WWE Super ShowDown. Her on-screen husband Bobby Lashley is scheduled to compete in the Tuwaiq Gauntlet Match. She accompanied Lashley to the ring at WWE Crown Jewel 2019.
