Ilja Dragunov Says Being On The Same Brand As Gunther ‘Is Destiny’ After 4/29 RAW

Ilja Dragunov reigned supreme as the NXT Champion but lost it to Trick Williams last week. It was all but confirmed he would be called up to the main roster and that’s what happened on RAW this week and now he has commented on the massive change.

On the April 29 episode of WWE RAW, it was revealed that former NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov was selected by RAW in the 2024 WWE Draft. Naturally, this is a huge moment for The Mad Dragon.

In a Raw Exclusive interview, Dragunov shared his excitement about joining the red brand. Reflecting on his time in NXT, Dragunov mentioned how it had become a home away from home for him, with many of the people there becoming like family.

Despite his attachment to NXT, he expressed eagerness for his next chapter on RAW and vowed to continue pushing the boundaries. Dragunov made a bold promise to bring the same level of passion and intensity that he showcased in NXT to the RAW roster.

“I have no words. NXT became my home. These people, a lot of these people became a home away from home for me. But now it’s time for my next chapter, and I gotta make a promise. One promise that I already kept here. To every place I come, I push the place to the next level. That’s what I do. That’s what I did with NXT. This is the same thing I do when I come to Raw, with incomparable passion and incomparable intensity. Trust me, no one is prepared, and no one is safe anymore when ‘The Mad Dragon’ arrives.”

When asked about his thoughts on joining the same roster as Gunther, a former rival from his days in NXT UK, Ilja Dragunov had a powerful response, making it clear it was simply destiny.

“I think there’s only one word that describes it. Destiny.”

We will have to wait and see how Ilja Dragunov will fare on Monday Night RAW, as a reunion with Gunther is truly just a matter of time now.

Are you excited to see Ilja Dragunov on Monday Night RAW going forward? Sound off in the comments section below!