Ilja Dragunov proves to WWE fans why he’s a ‘real problem’ on RAW

When news broke that Ilja Dragunov was going to wrestle Jey Uso in the main event of Monday Night RAW for a chance to challenge Gunther in the semi-finals of the King of the Ring Tournament, it got fans hyped.

One of the true stalwarts of NXT UK who actually ended Walter-now-Gunther’s title reign at 912 days, Dragunov already has one massive win over the “Ring General” and, in a backstage interview on RAW, “Unbesiegbar” vowed to go to war with his long-term rival once more.

“Some people say that it’s a dream of destiny to be here, to be in this spot, to feel moments like this but for me, it’s not just enough to be here, I am here to make an impact night-in and night-out and it starts with me becoming the ‘Czar’ of the ring,” Ilja Dragunov declared on RAW. “Last week, Ricochet and I, we pushed ourselves to the absolute limits but when it was time to strike, I took it and I promised to bring the same kind of fight to the ‘Main Event’ Jey Uso tonight. Then I know he’s ready for a battle but what is waiting on the other side is a different kind of animal, one that only a few have beaten. But I am more than just a different kind of animal, I’m a different kind of a dragon. I beat Gunther! So the ‘Ring General’ and I have a long history together, so one thing is for sure: it is not over.”

Unfortunately for Dragunov and, well, every single fan of professional wrestling, the “Mad Dragon” didn’t come out on top on Monday Night RAW, eating an Uso Splash for the 1-2-3 after darn-near having his ear ripped off by the former NXT Champion. Still, even in loss, Dragunov was proud of his efforts, asserting on a RAW digital exclusive that he doesn’t feel shame for the defeat.

“I mean, what should I say? It’s so frustrating, it is. But where is actually the shame to lose to the man the ‘Main Event’, right?” Dragunov asked rhetorically via Fightful. “All I know right now, I’m tired, I’m in pain, but the beauty of it is that in already very dangerous in this ring. But when I’m pain, I’m an entire monster.”

Asked by Cathy Kelley if he has any specific predictions for Uso’s match against Gunther, Dragunov said no, noting that the only that the only prediction he can make is regarding his own short-term future on RAW.

“Predictions? I mean, they’re both like the absolute bar,” Dragunov noted. “The only prediction I can make is for myself, and this prediction is, no one is safe anymore. To quote Shawn Michaels, ‘I’m what the kids call a real problem.'”

Should Dragunov have won his match on RAW? Yes, considering Uso was an injury replacement for Drew McIntyre, Dragunov should have 100 percent gotten the rub in order to give fans another battle between the “Mad Dragon” and the “Ring General,” even if Gunther ultimately comes out with the W in the end. Still, Dragunov proved what kind of performer he could be in his bout against Uso, and considering the reaction he received online, it’s safe to say the IWC is now fully behind the NXT Draftee.