Ilja Dragunov Defeats Roderick Strong In NXT Open Challenge
Photo Credit: WWE
Roderick Strong is so sure of himself that an open challenge was issued on the 8/17 episode of NXT, but “The Messiah of Backbreakers” didn’t expect Ilja Dragunov to answer the call. That’s how NXT kicked off after Malcom Bivens hyped his client in Strong. The original plan was to face KUSHIDA but the Cruiserweight Champion wasn’t medically cleared to compete. That cued Dragunov to saunter out as he eyes the NXT UK Championship at TakeOver 36 on Sunday.
There were some heavy strikes and suplexes delivered by the two competitors as Dragunov showed to have Strong’s number until a distraction allowed Roderick to send Ilja into the steel steps. After the break, Ilja found himself donning the crimson mask but he hit his Torpedo Moskau finisher for the 1-2-3.
Post-match, Dragunov yells for NXT UK Champion WALTER to come out and answer his call, but he does not.