WWE Star On Joining Top Faction: ‘Who Actually Wants That?’

WWE

Ilja Dragunov captured the NXT Championship from Carmelo Hayes back at NXT No Mercy, beginning his first reign with the title.

In recent months, rumours and speculation has emerged online about Dragunov potentially heading up to the main roster, namely linking up with Gunther and Imperium.

Gunther and Ilja’s history runs very deep, but Dragunov continues to believe him joining up with the group wouldn’t make sense.

Speaking to TV Insider, Dragunov noted that there had been no specific talks about him joining the group, asking where the idea came from, and who wants it.

He said:

“No specifics. I just saw something about that on the internet. Rumors of me being in Imperium, but who actually wants that? Who has this idea?

“There couldn’t be someone who is more different and opposite than me to Imperium. All of those guys are outstanding and supreme technical wrestlers. But they are cold and stoic. I’m the absolute opposite and all over the place, I can be nuts. I’m the “Mad Dragon”. I’m a different animal. Those personas are so different. What is the benefit of my being in this group? I don’t think it would make sense.”

Ilja then spoke about his history with Gunther, noting that he has learned a lot from the Intercontinental Champion, and what makes their matches together so special.

He said:

“The number of things I’ve learned from Gunther are the things that made me the person I am today and make me the person I am in the future. There is nobody in the entire business I’ve learned more from than him. Seeing people feel such a connection to the performances we delivered, it’s inspirational and beautiful.

“We showed the audience who I am as a performer. It was the perfect underdog story of David versus Goliath. The ultimate underdog fighting no matter what versus the “Final Boss” Gunther. It’s something people want to see 500 times more and are hooked. I think we are destined to see it again.”

When asked if the next match between the two would happen at WrestleMania one day, he said:

“We are allowed to dream, aren’t we?”

Dragunov is set to defend the NXT Championship in a rematch against Carmelo Hayes on next week’s Halloween Havoc night two special episode of the show.

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• GUNTHER
• Imperium
• Ilja Dragunov
• wwe

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