10 Reasons You Should Give WWE NXT Another Chance

6. The Symphony Of Dragunov

Carmelo Hayes
WWE.com

There's an argument to be had that Ilja Dragunov is just a big fish in a small pond.

On a technical level, the Russian is beyond anyone on the NXT roster; just look at his match catalogue. His most recent encounter was a classic against NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes at Great American Bash which not only drew the best from the hard hitter but also showcased a side of Hayes never seen before. Ilja has also had physical battles with the likes of Bron Breakker, Baron Corbin, and Dijak; all matches you could consider for match of the year contenders.

Dating back further, his most notable work will of course be with the now-dubbed Gunther. Dragunov's two wars with the 'The Ring General' were nothing short of mesmerising. Their destructive clash at Takeover 36 was one of the most bell-to-bell physical matches in the history of the sport and one that surpassed their previous roaring affair in 2020.

We surely aren't too far out from Dragunov debuting on the main roster and there might be no better man to dethrone the near record-breaking Intercontinental Champion than his arch-enemy and Achilles' heel Ilja Dragunov. Whenever that may be, his NXT work is a stand-alone reason to tune in every Tuesday night.

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Contributor
Contributor

The Dominik Mysterio of wrestling journalism minus the home invasions, prison stretches and mullet haircuts.