The post-WrestleMania XL episode of Monday Night RAW witnessed NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov stepping into the main roster ring for the first time, squaring off against the seasoned wrestler Shinsuke Nakamura. The intensity was palpable as the two clashed in a thrilling match, setting the stage for what could be a promising main roster career for Dragunov.
Amidst the action on RAW, the much-anticipated announcement of the upcoming WWE Draft added an extra layer of excitement. Scheduled to take place in just two weeks, the draft will see a mix-up of superstars between RAW and SmackDown, along with the inclusion of fresh talent from NXT. With this draft looming, fans speculated whether Ilja Dragunov might soon find himself as a permanent fixture on the red brand, bringing his unique skills and energy to a broader audience.
Ilja Dragunov (Via WWE/Twitter)
As the match unfolded, Dragunov faced an early onslaught from Nakamura, who wasted no time in displaying his signature moves and agility. Despite the initial setbacks, Dragunov showcased his resilience, countering Nakamura’s offense with a powerful discus clothesline and a high-flying top rope senton. The back-and-forth nature of the bout kept fans on the edge of their seats, wondering who would emerge victorious in this clash of styles and experience.
In a dramatic turn of events, Nakamura gained the upper hand with a series of well-executed maneuvers, including a punishing kick to Dragunov’s head and a decisive knee strike. However, Dragunov refused to back down, retaliating with a suplex that caught Nakamura off guard. The match reached its climax when the NXT Champion unleashed a flurry of finishing moves, culminating in a spectacular pinfall victory with the H-Bomb and Torpedo Moscow. The WWE Universe was left buzzing with excitement and speculation about Ilja Dragunov’s future trajectory and which brand he might choose to call home.
