WWE Royal Rumble 2026: Predicting All 30 Entrants

26. Ilja Dragunov (#5)

WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Roman Reigns Chris Jericho Santino Marella
WWE.com

Losing the United States Title (and thus his guaranteed spot on SmackDown every week working those 'Open Challenge' spots) had to sting for Ilja Dragunov. He's the sort of wrestler who brings the absolute best out in anyone he shares the canvas with, and that'd be the case with the ultra-talented Logan Paul too.

Oh yes, we're going there people.

Dragunov wouldn't come close to matching Oba Femi's longevity in the match/threatening his ex-NXT peer's 'Iron Man' status, but he could still enjoy a good half hour run in the Rumble. Or therein thereabouts. As part of that, seeing Ilja trade seriously stiff strikes with Paul would be a neat viral moment the latter can plaster all over social apps to watch the views roll in. Why not, eh?

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.