Ilya Rukober (Russian: Илья́ Руко́бер) is a Russian Professional Wrestler, best known under his in-ring name Ilja Dragunov. He is currently signed to WWE and is said to wrestle in WWE’s developmental brand NXT. Rukober started his pro-wrestling training at the German Wrestling Federation (GWF) training schools. He was trained by Alexander Wolfe (Axel Tischer) who was a part of Sanity and Imperium, and Rick Baxxter. Before joining WWE he had wrestled for Next Step Wrestling (NSW) in Germany, Westside Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) and Progress Wrestling.
In 2013, Ilja had a tryout for NXT but unfortunately was pulled out due to a skull injury. He had another tryout in 2018 at Cologne during WWE’s European tour, but was said to have “turned heads”. He officially got signed with WWE in 2019 and made his debut on NXT UK as a fan favorite, defeating Jack Starz.
Ilja Dragunov had a couple of long-term love-hate relationships between Imperium and Gallus. He significantly appeared on NXT simultaneously responding to Finn Balor’s challenge at World’s Collide. He was away from television due to COVID-19 outbreak in the UK. As soon as the NXT UK resumed, he restarted his feud with Walter (Gunther) and challenged for the NXT UK Championship. The feud became brutal day by day as both quarreled against each other during the contract signing, creating the hype for their match. Ilja Dragunov lost the match referee stoppage as Walter brutally attacked Iljah and made him unconscious by a rear neck choke. The match got the 5 star rating by Dave Meltzer. He then was called for NXT and had a rematch against Walter to become the NXT UK Champion. Dragunov then was forced to relinquish his title due to an injury. He then returned to NXT in September 2022 and is currently wrestling on the NXT brand.
What is Ilja Dragunov Finisher called?
Ilja Dragunov is the first Russian male Wrestler in WWE and also the first Russian born wrestler to win a championship in the company. Besides his height of 5 foot 10 inches, he is one of the hard hitting wrestlers and is known for his unique maneuvers. Ilja Dragunov currently uses Torpedo Moskau (Flying headbutt) as his finisher, where he runs from a corner of the squared-circle and hits the opponent with a flying headbutt. Though headbutt has been used by multiple superstars, his headbutt remains unique.
FAQs
A. Ilja Dragunov is from Moscow, Russia being the only Russian in WWE.
A. Ilja Dragunov is not the tallest wrestler. He stands at a height of 5 foot 10 inches tall.
A. Ilja Dragunov was born on 10 October, 1993 and is currently 29 years old.
A. Ilja Dragunov ended Walter’s monumental championship reign of 900 days at NXT Takeover 36.
A. Ilja Drangunov was trained by veterans such as Axel Tischer and Rick Baxxter at German Wrestling Federation (GWF).
