WWE Draft 2024: 10 Roster Trades That MUST Happen
5. Ilja Dragunov (NXT > SmackDown)
Another must.
There's a selfish reason for Ilja Dragunov heading to SmackDown that'll become clear in coming entries, but for now...just stop to imagine the possibilities for this dude. Like Perez, Ilja currently holds NXT gold and might have to drop it before arriving on the main roster. That'd be worth doing if it means he's getting promoted up the ladder.
Dragunov is a sensational pro wrestler between the ropes, but he's shown a perhaps-surprising amount of personality during a 'B' level feud vs. Tony D'Angelo on Tuesdays. That peaked at Stand & Deliver, and it's been obvious to anyone with working eyes for a while that Ilja is ready and raring for bigger things in WWE's system.
Matches vs. everyone from AJ Styles and Kevin Owens to Rey Mysterio and Logan Paul would be stunning. Then, there's the not-so-small matter of that "selfish reason" for drafting Dragunov to Fridays. Stay tuned for more on that to come.