Ilja Dragunov: “There Couldn’t Be Someone Who Is More Different And Opposite Than Me To Imperium.”

Ilja Dragunov discusses how he couldn’t be further from being right for Imperium.

Ilja Dragunov continues to argue against him possibly joining Imperium.

In recent months, rumors and speculation have circulated about the possibility of Ilja Dragunov joining Gunther, Giovanni Vinci and Ludwig Kaiser in Imperium. Ilja has addressed the buzz on multiple occasions, noting that he has no interest in possibly joining the faction.

Dragunov’s history with the faction and its leader Gunther, is a storied one. The pair have faced off twice for the NXT UK Championship in the now defunct NXT UK, with Dragunov dethroning Gunther as NXT UK Champion at NXT Takeover 36. The two stars have also teamed together previously in European Promotion wXw. 

While speaking to TV Insider, Ilja was asked if there was any real talk of him potentially joining the faction. Dragunov responded by pointing out that he couldn’t be more different than the members of Imperium.

“No specifics. I just saw something about that on the internet. Rumors of me benign in Imperium, but who actually wants that? Who has this idea? There couldn’t be someone who is more different and opposite than me to Imperium. All of those guys are outstanding and supreme technical wrestlers. But they are cold and stoic. I’m the absolute opposite and all over the place, I can be nuts. I’m the “Mad Dragon”. I’m a different animal. Those personas are so different. What is the benefit of my being in this group? I don’t think it would make sense,” Dragunov said.

Dragunov was also asked about facing off with Gunther again, and Ilja noted that he has learned a number of things from the current Intercontinental Champion that make him the person he is today.

“The number of things I’ve learned from Gunther are the things that made me the person I am today and make me the person I am in the future. There is nobody in the entire business I’ve learned more from than him. Seeing people feel such a connection to the performances we delivered, it’s inspirational and beautiful. We showed the audience who I am as a performer. It was the perfect underdog story of David versus Goliath. The ultimate underdog fighting no matter what versus the “Final Boss” Gunther. It’s something people want to see 500 times more and are hooked. I think we are destined to see it again.” he said

When asked if another match between the two could happen at WrestleMania, he replied “We are allowed to dream, aren’t we?”

Dragunov will next look to defend his NXT Championship against Carmelo Hayes on night two of the brands Halloween Havoc two-week event. Check out the card here.

Meanwhile, Gunther recently surpassed 500 days as Intercontinental Champion, as the rest of Imperium will face off with the recently reunited DIY on the October 30 episode of WWE RAW. Click here to check out the lineup.