Ilja Dragunov Doesn’t Feel Anything Is Different Ahead Of His Trilogy Match With Carmelo Hayes

Ilja Dragunov comments on his upcoming third NXT title match with Carmelo Hayes and if it feels different to his previous matches with “Him”.

Ilja Dragunov does not feel like anything is different ahead of his third match with Carmelo Hayes.

Carmelo and Ilja have now faced off for the NXT Championship on two occasions. On the first occasion at NXT The Great American Bash, Carmelo was able to take advantage of Ilja receiving an accidental shot with the NXT Championship at the hands of Trick Williams to pick up the victory. In their second battle, Dragunov was able to wrestle the NXT Championship from the hands of Hayes at NXT No Mercy, achieving his destiny.

Now, the two men are set to lock up for the third time and with the score tied at 1-1, and the two men are scheduled to face off once again in the main event of NXT Halloween Havoc Night 2 on Tuesday. This matchup will be the one to decide who takes home the trilogy and the NXT Championship.

While speaking to TV Insider, Dragunov was asked if anything feels different while heading into the thrid match between the pair. Ilja responded by predicting that his performance will be unique and memorable.

“I don’t think anything feels different. Carmelo Hayes and I show how important the NXT championship is to us. Carmelo wanted to build this dynasty for himself, but I was the person who fulfilled my destiny. It’s now the reign of the “Mad Dragon.” Here he is trying to take the title off my hands. There is an aura and energy about this match even before it happens. I think this performance will be a unique and memorable performance,” Dragunov said.

Hayes earned the right to challenge for the title he lost at No Mercy when he defeated Baron Corbin and Dijak in a Number One Contenders match on the October 17th edition of NXT. Trick Williams was also set to compete in the match, but he was removed fron the bour after he was attacked backstage.

Elsewhere in the interview, Dragunov discussed speaking to John Cena backstage at the October 10th edition of NXT. You can read more on that here.