Kenny Omega has nothing but high praise for WWE NXT World Champion Ilja Dragunov, and says he’d love to have a match with him in the future.
Taking to his Twitch stream, Omega commented on who he enjoys watching these days, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the stream below:
On who he enjoys watching: “Dragunov. There are some folks that are active and great, but I’ve seen so much of them. I don’t want to say that I don’t enjoy watching them because I’ve seen them so much, but sometimes you get used to it. Dragunov is great. I think Claudio [Claudio Castagnoli] is the total package. He’s one of the great wrestlers on the planet. Watching Claudio do incredible feats of strength, you never know what you’re going to get from a Claudio match because he’s so versatile. When you get Claudio going crazy, it’s a sight to behold.”
On Dragunov: “Talking about Dragunov, I’ve been doing this for close to 25 years, after 25 years, you’ve seen it done and done it all, at least all the things you want to do, or almost anyway, there are a couple things timing-wise that you can never do them. You’ve seen things to a point where it’s hard to get excited. Sometimes you need help from a person you’re wrestling to lift you up and take you to that special place. Usually, what does that for me is that I’m in there with someone very hungry. When I wrestle a guy like Will Ospreay, he’s incredibly gifted athletically, and people say favorable things about him. I think he wants to answer the call for those people. For the people that think he’s the best, he wants to be the best he can be. For him to want to be the best, it lifts me up to that level to allow that. I feel that Dragunov, without me knowing who he is, he has that special element about him where he would bring the fight to the point where we would go to that magical place where we’re trading blows and having fans really believe in everything we do and really giving it all. I think it would be a great match.”
Paul Walter Hauser will be facing off against Matt Cardona at a Wrestling REVOLVER show this weekend, and he recently spoke with Chris Van Vliet on the “Insight” podcast to discuss the match and his Mt. Rushmore of Wrestling.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On his Mt. Rushmore of wrestling: “Hogan, Rock, Flair, Austin, I think, is what I would say for the world, not my favorite. My personal Mount Rushmore is Sting, Bret Hart, Ric Flair, and Chris Jericho.”
On Jericho being on his personal Mr. Rushmore of wrestling: “He’s such a controversial figure right now, but Jericho reinvented himself like nobody else has. He has made things work that should not have worked.”
Kenny Omega Expresses Interest in Facing WWE NXT World Champion Ilja Dragunov
In the world of professional wrestling, dream matches are what fans and wrestlers alike often fantasize about. The clash of two talented individuals, each bringing their unique style and charisma to the ring, can create an unforgettable spectacle. Recently, Kenny Omega, one of the biggest names in the industry, expressed his admiration for WWE NXT World Champion Ilja Dragunov and his desire to have a match with him in the future.
During a Twitch stream, Omega discussed his current favorite wrestlers to watch. While acknowledging the talent of many active wrestlers, he specifically mentioned Dragunov as someone who stands out. Omega explained that although he enjoys watching other wrestlers, there is a certain level of familiarity that can diminish the excitement. However, Dragunov’s performances consistently captivate him due to his exceptional skills and hunger for success.
Omega, who has been involved in professional wrestling for nearly 25 years, emphasized the importance of finding a partner who can elevate the match to a special place. He mentioned that when he wrestles someone like Will Ospreay, who is highly regarded for his athleticism, it pushes him to perform at his best. Omega believes that Dragunov possesses that special element that would make their potential match an extraordinary experience. He envisions a scenario where they trade blows and engage in a fierce battle that resonates with the audience, creating an atmosphere where everything they do feels genuine and impactful.
The prospect of a match between Omega and Dragunov has sparked excitement among wrestling fans worldwide. Both wrestlers have established themselves as top-tier performers in their respective promotions, and their clash would undoubtedly be a dream come true for many enthusiasts.
In addition to Omega’s comments on Dragunov, another noteworthy wrestling figure recently shared his thoughts on the industry. Paul Walter Hauser, known for his acting roles in movies like “I, Tonya” and “Richard Jewell,” will be stepping into the wrestling ring to face Matt Cardona at a Wrestling REVOLVER show. Hauser, a self-proclaimed wrestling fan, discussed his personal Mount Rushmore of wrestling during an interview on the “Insight” podcast with Chris Van Vliet.
Hauser’s Mount Rushmore includes iconic figures such as Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ric Flair, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. However, when it comes to his personal favorites, Hauser chose Sting, Bret Hart, Ric Flair, and Chris Jericho. He praised Jericho for his ability to reinvent himself and make unconventional ideas work in the wrestling world, despite the controversy surrounding him at times.
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate potential dream matches and the surprises that lie ahead. Whether it’s Kenny Omega’s desire to face Ilja Dragunov or Paul Walter Hauser’s excitement about stepping into the ring, these moments remind us of the magic and excitement that professional wrestling can bring.