WWE Star Says Gunther Is ‘The Only Reason I’m This Good’

WWE

WWE NXT star Ilja Dragunov has opened up on the impact of Intercontinental Champion Gunther on his wrestling career.

Dragunov and Gunther have crossed paths on multiple occasions since 2013 when the Intercontinental Champion was known as Big Van Walter.

Frequently seen in Germany’s wXw, the pair would take their rivalry to PWG and PROGRESS Wrestling before landing in WWE initially as part of NXT UK.

It would be in August 2021 at WWE NXT TakeOver 36 that Dragunov would defeat the then-WALTER for the NXT UK United Kingdom Championship.

Now with Gunther on the main roster and Dragunov in NXT, Dragunov was asked about Gunther’s impact on his career on After the Bell, revealing:

“There’s only one thing I could say. I would never be the person I am today without him. Not even slightly.

“There’s not one person who pushed me that hard, who shaped me this way, who taught me more.

“The only reason I am this good, right now, and making a name for myself is because of him.”

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Dragunov has recently spoken about the main roster stars he would like to face that he has not yet encountered in the ring.

He has also expressed the opinion that it is his destiny to face Gunther again at WrestleMania.

Tomorrow night at NXT No Mercy, Dragunov challenges Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship.

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• GUNTHER
• Ilja Dragunov
• wwe

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