Rusev def. Ryback

/strong>– In Rusev’s native Bulgaria, small dolls called “martenitsa” are carried to ensure good health and luck. The Bulgarian Brute must house an entire room of the fortuitous figurines. First, the man got engaged to the Ravishing Russian, Lana. Next, the powerhouse aligned himself with Superstars in the mighty League of Nations coalition. And on Sunday night, Rusev continued his run of favorable fortune with a victory over Ryback at WWE TLC 2015.

Check out photos of the behemoth battle

With his fiancée watching intently from ringside, The Bulgarian Brute shouted "This is for you" as he proceeded to punish his opponent. His machismo, however, would be short-lived. Ryback climbed to the second rope and toppled Rusev with a flying dropkick. The Big Guy would then take it a step further, balancing on the top rope before leveling his opponent with a crossbody. When Rusev decided he'd had enough, he left the ring and headed up the ramp.

Ryback would have none of it. He chased down The Bulgarian Brute and dragged him back toward the ring. During the tussle, Rusev shoved Ryback backward and into Lana. When the Ravishing Russian fell to the floor, The Big Guy wanted to make certain she was all right. It was all the room Rusev would need. With his betrothed looking on slyly, he superkicked Ryback's granite jaw. He then pulled the action back into the ring, where he eventually locked in The Accolade. Rather than tap, however, The Big Guy passed out, forcing an end to the arduous bout. 

Rusev and Lana celebrated as they denied Ryback the opportunity to feast on victory. And although the match proved one of those rare moments The Big Guy would go hungry, it’s almost certain he’ll return to take a bite out of The Bulgarian Brute.