10 Most Realistic Wrestlers In The World Right Now

One of the stiffest combatants under the WWE umbrella, Ilja Dragunov is also the promotion's first (actual) Russian star.

A well-regarded fixture in wXw, Dragunov really found his voice and NXT audience connection during his wild feud with WALTER. Starting in 2020, the fiery, relentless Dragunov began gunning for the NXT UK Championship. The result was arguably the finest match of that year, a searing showdown with 'The Ring General' that no doubt left both men's ears ringing.

Dragunov's lionhearted selling as he fought through the agony of WALTER's knife-edge chops and clubbing blows was amazing to watch. The pain he seemingly overcame to stay in the match was gripping and a major star-making moment. What makes Dragunov appear so authentic is the ferocity in both his offence and his reception of other's attacks. There's a potent rage in his face and voice as he goes to war. The emotional aspect of his work lends a gripping level of dramatic value to his matches.

By the time he was ready for a rematch with WALTER, Dragunov had fans everywhere invested in seeing him triumph. Their second bout was similarly savage, the kind of encounter that leaves both participants in need of an ice bath. In the absence of blading or jaw-dropping stunts, the pair relied on their physicality and timing to produce another perfectly paced and plausibly executed battle.

Considering his watertight technique and heated demeanour, Ilja Dragunov is among the most believable tough guys in wrestling right now.