10 New Main Event Megastars WWE Are Secretly Building

Yours truly once commentated a match between Ilja Dragunov and NXT's Joe Coffey on the independents. It was the first time he'd ever watched Ilja live in the flesh, and it was instantly impressive. Dragunov's intensity stood out, but so did his ability to lace matches with a slow-burn epic feel even when they're only going 10-15 minutes.

That's a valuable skill.

It'll come in handy in pressure spots on episodes of Raw. Triple H is definitely a little more tuned into lengthier matches on the flagship than Vince McMahon sometimes was, but not every bout is going to be some two/three segment thriller with ad breaks. Some just need to get in, do their job then get out within 5-8 mins.

Early signs are good for Ilja. He's intense, likeable and has necessary fire to turn heel someday if the babyface thing doesn't shake out. That versatility should come in rather handy if he's going to go up a rung towards main events. Someone book him vs. GUNTHER for the World Title on PLE, for crying out loud.