Ilja Dragunov returns to WWE NXT, attacks JD McDonagh

Ilja Dragunov returned to NXT on Tuesday, reigniting a feud with JD McDonagh.

Tuesday’s show saw McDonagh wrestling against Carmelo Hayes when Dragunov’s music hit. McDonagh was distracted long enough for Hayes to counter McDonagh, rolling him up for a three count. After the match, Dragunov and McDonagh continued to brawl as security came in to break things up.

Dragunov has not been seen on television since October, losing to McDonagh via referee stoppage. Dragunov has not been on television due to visa issues, as is the case for many recent returns to NXT television, including Gallus and Tyler Bate.

The last major match featuring Dragunov was at Halloween Havoc, when he lost a three-way match involving himself, Bron Breakker, and McDonagh in a match that had been for the NXT Championship. Prior to his arrival on NXT, Dragunov was also a star in NXT UK, having previously held the NXT UK Championship.