All articles tagged with #ilja dragunov
Originally Published 2 months ago — by Ringside News
WWE has announced that United States Champion Ilja Dragunov will defend his title in an open challenge on tonight's SmackDown, adding excitement to the show with potential new matchups, as Dragunov aims to continue the tradition of open challenges.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by WWE
Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre engaged in a chaotic brawl at WWE SmackDown, while other matches saw Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair defend their titles, Ilja Dragunov win the US Title from Sami Zayn, and The Motor City Machine Guns celebrate their anniversary with a win. The event featured intense confrontations and title changes, highlighting the ongoing storylines in WWE.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Bleacher Report
Ilja Dragunov retained the NXT Championship by defeating Trick Williams at Vengeance Day, where Carmelo Hayes turned on Williams, ending their friendship. The betrayal came after Williams' loss to Dragunov, marking the culmination of a longstanding rivalry between the two.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Cageside Seats
WWE wrestler Ridge Holland apologizes for injuring Ilja Dragunov in a controversial injury angle on NXT, which stirred up emotions due to its similarity to a real-life incident where Holland accidentally broke Big E's neck. Holland's apology on social media raises questions about his character and the future of the storyline, with fans divided on whether such angles are appropriate or not.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Ringside News
Ridge Holland apologizes to Ilja Dragunov after putting him on a stretcher during their match on WWE NXT, stating that it is not who he is. Fans were shocked by the incident, and Dragunov's status as NXT Champion is uncertain. WWE's internal reaction to the stretcher spot was also revealed, and it remains to be seen when Dragunov will return to NXT television.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Sportskeeda
WWE star Ilja Dragunov suffered a potentially serious injury during a match against Ridge Holland, prompting Holland to issue an apology. Dragunov was seen shaking and unable to move after a big move from Holland, leading to the match being called off and Dragunov being stretchered out. This incident is part of a controversial storyline, with Holland previously being involved in injuries to other wrestlers. The future of the storyline and fan reaction remain uncertain.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Ringside News
WWE NXT aired a carefully crafted storyline involving Ilja Dragunov being stretchered out, which caused concern among viewers. However, it was revealed to be a pre-recorded segment centered around Ridge Holland's connection to Big E's injury. Despite the controversy surrounding the concept, the performance and camera work received positive feedback from NXT sources and producers. WWE producers were aware that most of the live audience understood it was staged, as they promptly announced the next show. The cameras followed Dragunov to the ambulance, highlighting the attention to detail in creating a compelling storyline.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Wrestlezone
Ilja Dragunov seemingly suffered an injury during a match with Ridge Holland on the December 19 episode of WWE NXT. After Holland slammed Dragunov, officials checked on him as he could barely move. Dragunov was then stretchered out of the arena. However, it has been reported that the injury was part of a storyline.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Bleacher Report
In the latest episode of WWE NXT, Fallon Henley defeated Tiffany Stratton in a physical match, setting up a grudge match in the future. Ridge Holland interrupted Ilja Dragunov and challenged him to a non-title match. In the Men's Breakout Tournament, Lexis King defeated Dion Lennox to advance. Kiana James and Izzi Dame defeated Jacy Jayne and Thea Hail. Dragon Lee successfully defended his North American Championship against Charlie Dempsey and Joe Coffey. Tavion Heights and Nikkita Lyons also picked up wins. The show received a low grade due to rushed matches and a messy angle in the main event.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Wrestlezone
Ridge Holland returns to WWE NXT on December 19 and interrupts NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov, expressing his desire to redeem himself and rewrite his story. Dragunov accepts Holland's challenge, but their match is abruptly stopped when Dragunov appears to suffer an injury, which is later revealed to be a storyline.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Cageside Seats
In the latest episode of WWE NXT, Dragon Lee successfully defended his North American championship against Charlie Dempsey and Joe Coffey in a triple threat match. Ridge Holland confronted Ilja Dragunov and challenged him to a match, which ended in a no-contest after both competitors suffered injuries. Other matches included Fallon Henley defeating Tiffany Stratton, Lexis King defeating Dion Lennox in the Men's Breakout Tournament, and Izzi Dame and Kiana James defeating Jacy Jayne and Thea Hail.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Bleacher Report
WWE NXT Deadline 2023 featured the Iron Survivor Challenge, with Trick Williams emerging as the winner and earning an NXT Championship match. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio lost the North American Championship to Dragon Lee. Blair Davenport won the Women's Iron Survivor Challenge and called out Lyra Valkyria. Carmelo Hayes defeated Lexis King. Roxanne Perez lost to Kiana James in a steel cage match. Ilja Dragunov retained the NXT Championship against Baron Corbin. Overall, the event had some standout matches but also some underwhelming moments.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Cageside Seats
Trick Williams' return at Halloween Havoc prevented Carmelo Hayes from winning the NXT championship. Hayes had earned a shot at the title after Trick was mysteriously taken out of the picture. In a triple threat match, Hayes was close to victory when Trick's theme song played, distracting him and allowing Dragunov to defeat him. After the match, Trick and Hayes had a staredown, hinting at a future showdown between the two.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Bleacher Report
Ilja Dragunov defeated Carmelo Hayes at No Mercy 2023 to become the new NXT Champion, avenging their previous match where Hayes won with the help of Trick Williams. Dragunov earned his title shot by defeating Wes Lee and sowed doubt in Williams' mind about Hayes' ability to win without assistance. The intense rivalry between Dragunov and Hayes culminated in Dragunov emerging victorious and establishing himself as the top dog in NXT.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Cageside Seats
Ilja Dragunov secures a victory in a number one contender match against Wes Lee, earning himself a rematch for the NXT championship against Carmelo Hayes at the upcoming No Mercy event.