Ilja Dragunov’s transition to the WWE main roster has been nothing short of electrifying. The former NXT Champion has brought his unique brand of hard-hitting, physically demanding wrestling style to the RAW roster. After an impressive run in the 2024 King of the Ring Tournament, where he made it to the semifinals, Dragunov is primed to take on the best of the best on Monday nights.
While a feud with Gunther, a familiar foe, may seem like an easy payday, the WWE would be wise to explore other options for The Mad Dragon. One such option is a showdown with Bronson Reed, should he win the Intercontinental Championship in 2024. The two would engage in a brutal, hard-hitting contest that would test Reed’s mettle as champion.
Another intriguing matchup would be against Karrion Kross, a formidable opponent who could push Dragunov to his limits, both physically and mentally. Their bout would be a clash of styles, with The Mad Dragon’s unyielding resilience facing off against The Final Testament’s relentless aggression.
The Celtic Warrior, Sheamus, is another name that should be on Dragunov’s radar. Both men are known for their punishing, hard-hitting matches, and a bout between them would be a dream come true for fans of the physical style. A potential alliance between the two, should they emerge victorious, could lead to a thrilling tag team encounter against Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser.
However, the most enticing matchup of all might be against Drew McIntyre, once he’s medically cleared to compete. A clash of the titans, with Dragunov’s unbreakable spirit facing off against The Scottish Warrior’s relentless determination, would be a main event-worthy encounter. The bout would not only test Dragunov’s mettle against one of WWE’s top stars but also provide a platform for the two to exchange verbal jabs, with McIntyre’s “whining” vs. Dragunov’s unbreakable spirit.
As Ilja Dragunov continues to make his mark on the WWE main roster, one thing is certain – he will leave a trail of destruction in his wake. With a plethora of exciting matchups on the horizon, The Mad Dragon is ready to unleash his fury on the RAW roster.
