WATCH: 30-year-old WWE Superstar channels inner Khabib Nurmagomedov to warn Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio

Ilja Dragunov battled Dominik Mysterio last night in a grueling match and came out victorious.

WATCH: 30-year-old WWE Superstar channels inner Khabib Nurmagomedov to warn Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio

Khabib Nurmagomedov, Rhea Ripley, and Dominik Mysterio (via The Guardian/WWE)

The most recent edition of NXT will go down in history as one of the biggest episodes in the show’s history. As expected, NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio and his on-screen partner Rhea Ripley were present on the show. The former challenged NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov to a title match.

The show kicked off with Cody Rhodes, who revealed he was the special guest “general manager” for the night. Afterward, Dragunov and The Judgment Day pair had a heated exchange of words. Subsequently, the NXT Champion accepted Dom’s challenge, later made official by The American Nightmare.

YouTube video

Moreover, Ilja Dragunov sent a message to Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio, channeling his inner Khabib Nurmagomedov. “Rhea, darling, I’m gonna smash your boy!” the 30-year-old said. Later, the pair squared off, with LA Knight acting as the special guest referee. The Unbesiegbar successfully defended his title, despite Rhea Ripley, Finn Balor, and JD McDonagh’s attempts to interfere throughout the match. 

The two wrestlers engaged in an intense showdown, captivating the audience. After the match, WWE scheduled a triple threat match featuring Dijak, Baron Corbin, and Carmelo Hayes for next week’s show to determine the next contender for Ilja Dragunov’s championship. Meanwhile, Dominik Mysterio and The Judgment Day aim to address their recent losses.

Related: “I want something hardcore,” 26-year-old WWE star expresses desire to step inside a cage to fight Rhea Ripley

Dominik Mysterio reacts to losing NXT Championship match

Dominik Mysterio received his first-ever NXT Championship title shot this week on NXT. However, things didn’t go as planned for the third-generation superstar. Despite Rhea Ripley accompanying him to ringside, Dom fell short in his pursuit of gold against Ilja Dragunov.

Ilja Dragunov vs Dominik Mysterio
Ilja Dragunov vs. Dominik Mysterio(via WWE)

After the match, the NXT North American Champion reacted to the loss on his X account. Dominik Mysterio posted a GIF from the animated show South Park that read, “Well then, can we at least pull up here and get some dinner? Because I like to be wined and dined after being fu*ked.”

The Judgment Day member was disappointed after failing to capture his title. Despite the loss, Mysterio impressed many during his match against Dragunov. Moreover, fans pointed out how his in-ring skills have developed over the past year or so. It will be interesting to see what lies ahead for the 26-year-old.

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