Ilja Dragunov to appear on WWE NXT next week

By Joseph Currier
Published: 24 Aug 2021, 19:01

Ilja Dragunov is set to make his first appearance as NXT United Kingdom Champion.

WWE has announced that Dragunov will appear on next Tuesday’s episode of NXT. In an instant classic match, Dragunov defeated WALTER to win the NXT United Kingdom Championship at TakeOver 36 on Sunday night.

WALTER vs. Dragunov was a rematch of one of the best matches of 2020. After failing to defeat WALTER in their first meeting, Dragunov used a sleeper to submit WALTER at TakeOver 36.

WALTER’s reign as NXT United Kingdom Champion lasted for 870 days before being ended by Dragunov.

Dragunov is the fourth-ever NXT United Kingdom Champion. Tyler Bate, Pete Dunne, and WALTER previously held the title.

In the lead-up to TakeOver 36, Dragunov had two matches on NXT. He lost to Dunne in the first match but defeated Roderick Strong the next week.

Here’s the full list of what’s been announced for next Tuesday’s NXT:

NXT United Kingdom Champion Ilja Dragunov appears
Roderick Strong will issue an open challenge
Tommaso Ciampa vs. Ridge Holland
Johnny Gargano vs. LA Knight
Kyle O’Reilly vs. Duke Hudson