5 things WWE NXT got right at TakeOver 36: Samoa Joe makes history; Ilja Dragunov makes WALTER tap out

#1. Ilja Dragunov defeated WALTER at WWE NXT TakeOver 36

AIRBOURNE @WalterAUT!#NXTUKTitle#NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/VYF2sjOOm9

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) August 23, 2021

Ilja Dragunov got his hands on WALTER once again at WWE NXT TakeOver 36 in what could be termed the best match of the night. The Mad Russian had a plan from the outset as he unloaded on The Ring General early.

He targeted the NXT UK Champion’s leg and looked to weaken him early. The 22-minute contest saw both men take each other to the limits. They traded strikes and chops early before moving on to more destructive moves.

A couple of lariats nearly sealed the deal for WALTER before Dragunov made a comeback with a Dragon Suplex. WALTER caught The Mad Russian for a sleeper in the middle of the ring to slow him down for some time.

The Austrian Anomaly hit Dragunov with a big powerbomb before climbing to the top rope for a diving splash. Dragunov still managed to kick-out in one of the nearest falls of the decade.

A late rally allowed Dragunov to lock WALTER in his signature sleeper hold. The once-unbeatable Ring General h no choice but to tap out.

The match was fantastic from start to finish. It was arguably the best match of the year as both men gave it their all in the ring. Dragunov’s celebration showed exactly what the victory meant to the entire NXT UK Universe. He made the invincible man from Austria tap out in the biggest match of his career.