“He’s one of us,” Gunther discusses possibility of former NXT Champion joining Imperium days after kicking out former stablemate

Gunther lost his Intercontinental title to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania XL.

“He’s one of us,” Gunther discusses possibility of former NXT Champion joining Imperium days after kicking out former stablemate

Gunther (via WWE)

Recently, Ilja Dragunov lost his NXT Championship to Trick Williams at Spring Breakin’. After his loss, many fans were speculating about his debut on the main roster. Moreover, there were rumors of him possibly joining forces with his long-time rival, Gunther. As such, the 36-year-old addressed the possibility of Dragunov joining Imperium, days after Ludwig Kaiser brutally attacked and kicked Giovanni Vinci out of the faction.

While speaking on the Gorilla Position, The Ring General was asked about Ilja Dragunov. Gunther stated that although they do share a history, he considers The Mad Dragon to be an opponent rather than a teammate. He further added that before they meet in the ring again, Dragunov has a long way to go on the main roster. 

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Both superstars had some of the greatest matches in recent times during their stint on NXT UK. Dragunov caught people’s attention when he defeated The Ring General at NXT TakeOver 36 and ended his 870-day reign. He got a taste of the main roster when he debuted on Raw after WrestleMania XL and defeated Shinsuke Nakamura. He could potentially end up on the main roster on Raw next week, thanks to the WWE Draft. 

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I think Ilja [Dragunov] is a better enemy than a friend. Yeah, it has to come down to that. He’s one of us in terms of Kaiser, Ilja, and I, we all have wrestled each other years back. So, I naturally want him to be where I am, and I think he’s somebody that brings out the best in me.
Gunther on Ilja Dragunov via Gorilla Position (H/T: Ringside News)

Meanwhile, Gunther, who lost the Intercontinental title to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania XL, appeared for the first time on the latest episode of Raw. He made his intentions to win the King of the Ring tournament clear. Therefore, there is a possibility of the two meeting once again during the tournament if Dragunov announces his participation.

Gunther revealed Sami Zayn was the right choice to end his title reign

The Ring General’s title reign finally came to an end at WrestleMania XL, thanks to Sami Zayn. Even though he was confident that The Underdog from the Underground couldn’t beat him, he admitted that Zayn was the right guy to dethrone him.

Gunther and Sami Zayn
Gunther and Sami Zayn (via WWE)

During the same interview, the 36-year-old star claimed that Zayn and Chad Gable were the two best options to end his reign. He stated that Zayn was ultimately the right guy because of his natural underdog personality. Gunther further added that the former Bloodline member shares a special connection with the audience and was happy with how the match played out. 

I don’t think there was one right person. I think there would have been a few options. Chad is the other one that would have made a lot of sense. Sami is definitely one of those where it was ‘he’s the right guy to do it.
Gunther via Gorilla Position (H/T: Khel Now)

As of now, an opponent for the new Intercontinental Champion hasn’t been decided yet for Backlash. Credible stars like Sheamus, Gable, and Bronson Reed have all expressed their desire to win the title. Nonetheless, Sami Zayn will face the tough challenge of living up to The Ring General’s dominant reign.

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