Ilja Dragunov credits Gunther as top career influence
“It is the value of a true fight like Gunther, a dear friend of mine since I don’t know 2015, for such a long time no other person that could, especially in professional wrestling formed me more than he, a mastermind.— Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov described Gunther as the greatest influence on his wrestling career. He called Gunther a longtime friend since 2015 and a mastermind who shaped him more than anyone else in professional wrestling.
Dragunov stated that all of his biggest career peaks occurred when facing Gunther. He emphasized that directness from such competitors provides the best enhancement of talents and strengths.
Before joining WWE, the two wrestlers feuded in Westside Xtreme Wrestling in Germany. Their rivalry continued during NXT UK where they competed for the NXT UK Championship.
Dragunov first joined the Raw roster in 2024. After recovering from a torn ACL, he moved to SmackDown, challenged for the United States Championship, and captured the title.
He lost the United States Championship to Hayes in March. His final WWE match was in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Dragunov made his AEW debut at WrestleDream. He is scheduled to wrestle Mike Bailey in his first AEW match on the upcoming edition of Dynamite.
Source: Wrestling Observer
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