10 Best Non-WWE Wrestlers Of 2018 (So Far)
5. Ilja Dragunov
For those who've followed his story, no 2018 wrestling moment will have resonated as strongly as Ilja Dragunov's incredible return at wXw 16 Carat Gold this spring.
After three months in the wilderness, the Russian's shock insertion in the WALTER vs. Bad Bones Unified World Title match drew one of the pops of the year, and Ilja rode this wave to victory. Finally, after a long, arduous grind to the top, the 24-year-old was champion. It was an incredible moment at the heart of wrestling's most exciting annual tournament, and one that should set him up for a career-defining 2018.
A manic, intense character, Dragunov wrestles with little regard for his own well-being. His Torpedo Moskau finisher literally sees Ilja launch himself head-first at the opponent's chin. He wrestles with heart, spirit, and just the right amount of insanity, making it impossible to divert your eyes from the moment he bursts out from backstage, pumped up and ready for war.
Dragunov's series of matches with WALTER present both at their absolute best. Each is worth 20-30 minutes of any wrestling fan's time, their excellence enough to justify wXw's $11-a-month subscription fee alone.