An update on Dragunov.
Five months into his run as a member of the Monday Night Raw roster, Ilja Draguov suffered a torn ACL at a house show in Georgia.
There was an update on Ilja, courtesy of WWE Germany commentator and host Sebastian Hackl. During WWE – Die Woche on Instagram Live, Hackl said he texted Dragunov and shared that the former NXT Champion is in good spirits and already taking steps towards a comeback.
Hackl: I mean, his spirit is so strong. I texted him (Ilja Dragunov) last week after I heard that he had torn his ACL. An injury which I have suffered twice by the way and I know how devastating it is and he was in such good spirits, he was already on the way back and he’s just, like, the saying on the trunks, Unbesiegbar. You can’t defeat him. He’s invincible. He’s such a strong wrestler and he’s such a strong mind and I’m looking forward to him to come back already.
Joining Hackl for the conversation was World Tag Team Champion J.D. McDonagh. He spoke about the matches he’s had with Dragunov and feels he comes out better after their bouts. McDonagh called Dragunov his ‘wrestling soulmate’ and is looking forward to when he returns.
McDonagh: I was really looking forward to smacking Ilja Dragunov around on Monday Night Raw and unfortunately, he got injured. Every time I’ve stepped foot in the ring with Ilja, I felt like I’ve come out — after a while, after I’ve healed — I’ve been better. I’ve learned something in the ring every time with Ilja; about myself, about what I can go through. He is my wrestling soulmate, in my opinion. I love wrestling Ilja. I hate it when I’m in there, it’s painful, you know? Harrowing and you come out feeling like you’ve been through a blender. But, I think he’s a one of a kind talent and I am looking forward to him coming back as soon as possible so I can put him back on the shelf.
Yes, me too (I’m looking forward to when Dragunov returns). I think it’s good for WWE and good for the wrestling industry having Ilja Dragunov a part of it, as much as it pains me to say. But, like you were saying, his body’s strong but his mind is even stronger. If there was anyone born for living rehab and training every day to come back — he’ll probably be back in three months (he laughed)… Speedy recovery.
During WWE’s announcement of Dragunov’s injury, they stated that he’ll be out of action for a minimum of six months.
If the quotes in this article are used, please credit WWE – Die Woche with an H/T to POST Wrestling for the transcriptions.
