WWE is heading into another WrestleMania weekend, which means NXT will also get its biggest event of the year with Stand & Deliver.
Arrival
Although Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams will headline the show, Ilja Dragunov will defend the NXT Title against Tony D’Angelo in the second biggest match on the card. As this event approaches, many have wondered what Dragunov’s future holds.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that Dragunov is not planned for a call-up at this time, but the expectation is that he will be headed to the main roster soon after losing the NXT Title down the line, as some in NXT feel is beyond the brand at this point.
Dragunov has taken time off in the past to go home and visit family, leading some fans to wonder whether he would be open to going to the main roster because of his schedule. It was said WWE is more than happy to accommodate Dragunov’s schedule.
Internal belief
The belief among many people in WWE is that management sees him in the same vein as Gunther and has plans to push him in a similar capacity on the main roster.
The report noted, “Dragunov has been a constant source of praise with NXT producers needing to give him very little direction, something that is unique to Ilja with the current NXT roster.”
One talent said they believe Dragunov elevates anyone he steps in the ring with and that he has an incredible mind for the business and is said to be incredibly easy to work with. One person stated, he is a “wonderful person to be around”.
This is just a snippet of the story. For complete details, please visit Fightful Select at Patreon.com/Fightful.
