8 Ups And 2 Downs From WWE NXT (Aug 31)

7. Ilja Dragunov's Passionate Goodbye... For Now

WWE.comThe sight of new NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov limping his way into the CWC only told half the story when it came to the absolute war he not only survived, but won at TakeOver 36. As the newest champ put it, "The Ring General has fallen, long live the Czar" and so starts a new chapter in the life of the black and gold British belt.

Sure, it was pretty bittersweet to see Dragunov admit that he had to kiss goodbye to Tuesday nights for a while to head back home, with many fans still likely champing at the bit to see him go to war with the likes of Samoa Joe, Tommaso Ciampa, and Johnny Gargano in the future. But that's just it, as Unbesiegbar noted, this wasn't goodbye forever, just goodbye for now.

When Dragunov does make his long-awaited return, expect more of the passion - his fiery mic work still ranks as some of the finest NXT has committed to TV this year - and drive that has marked him out as a fan favourite it just a matter of weeks. Long live the Czar indeed.