Ilya Dragunov, who grew up in Dresden, achieves in WWE what no German-speaking star has done before him. Wrestling icon Shawn Michaels takes a bow
Historic achievement for German-Russian wrestling phenom Ilya Dragunov!
The 29-year-old has become the first German-speaking wrestler in WWE history to win the NXT title. He is also the first German export to lead a WWE squad present on US TV as champion.
The NXT build-up squad is subordinate to the main shows RAW and SmackDown, but since 2019 it can also be seen on national television – and is currently in the middle of the biggest ratings boom in its history in the wake of the general WWE hype.
Known for his physically intense and rousing fights, Dragunov defeated former champ Carmelo Hayes on Sunday night’s No Mercy show in Bakersfield, California. He once again earned much praise within the scene – including from WWE icon Shawn Michaels. The “Heartbreak Kid” is responsible for the NXT squad behind the scenes.
Ilya Dragunov on the rise in WWE
Born in Moscow and raised in Dresden, Dragunov (real name: Ilja Rukober) was signed by WWE in January 2019 after attracting attention on the German and European scene.
It also made him the first truly Russian-born WWE wrestler – previously, the numerous “bad Russians” in the league’s history, such as Ivan Koloff, Nikolai Volkoff or Rusev, had been played by other compatriots.
The “Invincible Czar” was initially part of the now defunct European squad NXT UK, where the disciple of ex-WWE wrestler Axel Tischer (Alexander Wolfe) has also had big moments: Dragunov was the one to dethrone his long-time rival WALTER after more than two years as NXT UK Champion on SummerSlam weekend 2021, in an outstanding David-Goliath match.
Dragunov’s opponent at the time is now on his way to the Main Event as Gunther in WWE, Dragunov is also personally close with fellow German-speaking WWE stars Ludwig Kaiser from Germany and Giovanni Vinci from South Tyrol.
Shawn Michaels speaks highly of Dragunov
Dragunov was transferred to the US version of NXT in September 2022, moving to Florida where the WWE Performance Centre is based.
After a year-long build-up, WWE has now elevated him to the new flagship of the show, which began airing on German TV this year.
“He’s incredibly talented – and unique in an incredible way” said Michaels, who also felt he was already ripe for a main roster call-up.
Dominik Mysterio loses title
The high-scoring fight against Hayes now sparked further critical praise. “An absolutely excellent match that further elevates the value of both – and high it was already,” judged the Pro Wrestling Torch.
NXT boss Michaels, who Dragunov exhaustedly fell into his arms backstage after the show; paid tribute to Dragunov and all of his other charges for an “incredible night” via social media after the show, saying he “couldn’t be more proud of our talents in NXT. They are not just the future, they are the present.”
Two other big matches at No Mercy involved well-known stars from the main roster: Becky Lynch, who currently holds the women’s title in NXT, defended it against former champion and top talent Tiffany Stratton – the partner of Ludwig Kaiser.
Meanwhile, Dominik Mysterio, son of living and still active legend Rey Mysterio, lost his North American Title to the upwardly mobile Trick Williams, partner of the Dragunov defeated Hayes.