19. Lana (Alexander Rusev V Kofi Kingston - WWE NXT, 01/01/14)

Video: Alexander Rusev V Kofi Kingston

Addressing the crowd

Watching any of the major wrestling federations over the last few years, you would be forgiven for thinking that the days of the beautiful, devious, calculating valet in wrestling had gone. But with the introduction of man-mountain Alexander Rusev has come his Russian valet Lana to accompany him to the ring, and she has already shown a talent to influence his matches.

In this bout against Kofi Kingston, Lana firstly emerges from backstage wearing a tight-fitting business suit to introduce Rusev, despite the crowd showing her little respect. With the Bulgarian beast Rusev joining his valet, the two Eastern Europeans make their way to the ring, with Lana joining her man on the ring apron.

With Kingston making his entrance, Lana calmly retains her position despite the African opponent's proximity to her as he enters the ring, displaying an air of confidence and superiority. As the Russian valet stares down Kingston from the corner, she swiftly points in his direction to set Rusev into action.

Looking on from ringside

Kingston is in trouble from the outset as Rusev launches a brutal attack on his opponent, much to Lana's satisfaction. He soon has Kingston in trouble as he throws Kofi over his head onto the canvas, but a failed two-count draws scornful glances from Lana towards the referee.

Rusev attacks Kingston to his valet's approval

The commentators soon refer to Lana's calming influence on Rusev, before Kofi Kingston somehow manages to gain the upper hand. Rusev is soon lying prone on the canvas as Kofi launches a leg-drop on his opponent. A missed clothesline from Rusev then allows Kofi to cross-body his opponent and attempt the pin, which only yields a two-count.



At 6:00 in, a dazed Rusev can be seen staggering in the ring as Kingston goes to the turnbuckle to launch an aerial move. Like all good valets, Lana senses the danger, as well as the opportunity to influence the match.

Lana steps in as the referee tries to stop her

Calmly walking over to the corner and climbing the steps, she berates Kingston who becomes momentarily distracted by the Russian valet. The referee can be seen warning Lana not to get involved, but her intervention makes the difference as Rusev recovers and throws Kingston down onto the canvas. The Bulgarian then executes his 'Accolade' finishing hold to make Kofi tap out, as Lana watches proceedings from the apron.

The damage is done as Rusev recovers

Pointing mockingly at a beaten Kofi

Displaying many of the attributes of a great valet, Lana showed great potential in helping Rusev in this match, which bodes well for his fledgling career in the WWE. Her timing was impeccable in spotting Kingston go for the high-risk move, so much so that she could calmly walk into position without having to rush. When in place, she then interfered in full view of the official, who understandably allowed the beautiful Russian some leeway in allowing her influence on the result go unpunished and stay on the apron to watch the match-finishing submission. An excellent performance then from the calculating Russian, who seems destined to follow in the footsteps of great valets from the past.