Gunther’s nightmares are about to get real as his 30-year-old arch-rival sends a one-word message after getting drafted on the same brand 

Ilja Dragunov got called up to the main roster days after he lost the NXT title.

Gunther’s nightmares are about to get real as his 30-year-old arch-rival sends a one-word message after getting drafted on the same brand 

Gunther (via WWE)

A number of top NXT superstars were called up to the main roster on Night 2 of the 2024 WWE Draft. One of them was Ilja Dragunov, whom many felt should’ve been on the main roster a long time ago. After becoming the newest Raw Superstar, he sent a message to his longtime rival, Gunther, who also remained on the red brand.

The Mad Dragon thanked his fellow NXT stars for supporting him throughout his journey. He stated that the brand had become his home away from home, and he vowed to take Raw to the next level. When asked about his thoughts on Gunther being on the same brand, he could only answer the question with one word, “destiny.”

It was indeed destiny that, after going on their separate paths, both superstars ended up on the same battleground. Ilja Dragunov and the then-WALTER’s match for the NXT UK Championship in 2020 was one of the best matches of the year. Although The Ring General got the better of him, the revenge was sweet for Dragunov, as he made him tap out to win the title at NXT TakeOver 36. 

FS Video

Dragunov recently got the opportunity to perform on the main roster when he defeated Shinsuke Nakamura on the Raw after WrestleMania XL. After he lost his NXT Championship to Trick Williams at Spring Breakin’, many fans predicted that he would certainly get a call-up to the main roster. Nonetheless, he will be one of the superstars to watch out for on Raw.

Shawn Michaels showered praise on Ilja Dragunov after his main roster call-up

After watching his potential in NXT, Shawn Michaels was excited to see Ilja Dragunov on the main roster. The NXT Senior Vice President shared a heartfelt message congratulating him and wishing him the best of luck for his future.

Shawn Michaels and Ilja Dragunov
Shawn Michaels and Ilja Dragunov (via Wrestling Inc. and WWE)

Michaels took to X and praised The Mad Dragon’s intensity and his hard-hitting wrestling style. HBK was more impressed by his never-ending hunger to be better than everyone else. The Hall of Famer put the Raw roster on notice about Dragunov, calling him a problem that no one wants to have.

As intense, hard-hitting and driven to reach the top of the mountain as anyone I've ever met. The WWERaw roster should keep their eyes on UNBESIGBAR_ZAR... he's what the kids call "a problem"
Shawn Michaels on X

Dragunov has nothing but respect for the Hall of Famer for helping him in both NXT UK and NXT. In many interviews, he has stated that Michaels places unlimited trust in every young Superstar. Therefore, it will be interesting to see whether he manages to replicate the success of his NXT run or not.

In case you missed it: