Rusev vs. Mark Henry: Rocky IV Storyline Works Well, American Nationalism Never Goes Out of Style [OPINION]

Oh, what's that you say, internet? American Nationalism is dead and gone? Not in the WWE Universe, my friend. Russian caricature Rusev and his advocate, the stunning Lana, are about as complex and three-dimensional as Natasha and Boris. They are the perfect foils for American jingoistic titans Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter, but booking Swagger to lose over and over was not good for his character, so now he gets to squash Bo Dallas. Which is nice. But Mark Henry, a former Olympian, can take the Rocky IV storyline to the bank with Rusev. And fortunately for Triple H and Vince, American Nationalism never goes out of style.

Vince McMahon should write Sylvester Stallone a thank you letter every day. Not only did he give Hulk Hogan his first national exposure in Rocky III, the Rocky film franchise became a collection of classic sports movies. The broad themes and archetypal hero's journey tropes have inspired countless homages and parodies.

But no one has gotten more mileage out of Stallone's creation than Vince McMahon. Right now, two of the most popular programs in WWE are John Cena's redemption story (Rocky III) and Mark Henry (and Jack Swagger before him) vs. the unstoppable Rusev (Rocky IV).

Rusev, a stand-in for Dolph Lundgren, is accompanied to the ring by his spokesperson, Lana. In the Rocky movie it was Brigitte Nielsen as Drago's wife Ludmilla. Right now, Rusev is tearing through the WWE locker room like it's 1985. But hopefully Mark Henry can save the day, and avenge his disappointing loss in the '92 Olympics while he's at it.

Gasp!!! I just booked the blow-off match in my head! At Hell in a Cell, Mark Henry comes to the ring in an American flag singlet, accompanied by Stallone and the Hulkster. And after a brutal beating by Rusev, Henry busts out of the Accolade and pins Rusev after hitting him with the World's Strongest Slam (and maybe a leg drop?) Then Henry gives an emotional speech, culminating with "Yo Sly, I did it" and "Eye Of The Tiger" blasts across the arena. Scene.