5 things you didn't know about Ilja Dragunov

Modified Sep 02, 2019 16:00 GMT

Ilja Dragunov has caused a stir in NXT UK!

#1 He was trained by a WWE star and made a star by another

Ilja Dragunov was trained by two men - Rick Baxxter and WWE Superstar Alexander Wolfe.

Dragunov hails both men for his "Unbesiegbar" mentality, and for training and mentoring him. Wolfe shot to the WWE main roster as part of hugely successful NXT faction SAnitY, but the faction didn't quite manage to translate their success to SmackDown.

Wolfe, though, reinvented himself and is now a part of Imperium with United Kingdom Champion Walter, Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner.

Rick Baxxter/ @TheWWEWolfe My trainers/ my mentorsThey start my perspective. My love for the long way, the patience and the toughness. There wouldnt #UNBESIEGBAR without you both. pic.twitter.com/Aid4Fz6SFL
— Ilja Dragunov (@UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR) April 30, 2018

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One other man who should be credited, though, is Wolfe's compatriot Walter. The current NXT United Kingdom Champion is one of the major reasons that the world knew who Ilja Dragunov was before WWE came calling.

Dragunov beat Walter in the wXw 16 Carat Gold final in an unbelievable match while his long-time rival, John "Bad Bones" Klinger, started a new heel faction called RISE. Ilja would receive a long overdue shot for the wXw World title, in a Triple Threat alongside Klinger - who went on to win. Ilja chased Klinger for months, but would come up short every single time, usually unfairly.

Walter played a huge part in the rise of Ilja Dragunov

In the background, rumours of Ilja stepping away circulated and on wXw's 17th anniversary show, the Russian put his career on the line - and lost.

Back in comes Walter. Three months passed and, at 2018's 16 Carat Gold tournament, Klinger would be defending his title against Walter - who earned the right to choose the stipulation. Walter chose to make the match a Triple Threat Match to ensure Klinger didn't leave without his title - spawning a viral video of Ilja Dragnov's return.

Ilja would go on to win the match and finally become World Champion.