Major feud moving forward, Triple H given up on top name? - 4 reasons why Ilja Dragunov lost the Fatal 4-Way Match on WWE RAW
WWE Monday Night RAW had the show's season premiere last night on the USA Network. There were several intriguing bouts throughout the night, including an epic eight-person Street Fight, Dominik Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee, and Finn Balor vs. Rey Mysterio.
The main event of the night was a bout many believe to be the match of the show. Ilja Dragunov took on Jey Uso, Pete Dunne, and Braun Strowman in a Fatal Four-Way Match. The winner would be the victor in a tournament to crown the new number-one contender for the Intercontinental Title.
While all four men looked fantastic in the match, Ilja arguably looked the best. He is just a phenomenal wrestler who can deliver in the ring like few others. Unfortunately, that didn't mean much, as it was Jey Uso who stood tall in the end.
This article will take a look at a handful of reasons as to why Ilja Dragunov lost on Monday Night RAW. While no official reason has been confirmed, there are several possibilities, and in some cases, multiple factors could tie into the decision.
Below are four reasons why Ilja Dragunov lost the Fatal Four-Way Match on WWE RAW.
#4. Triple H may have given up on Ilja Dragunov
The first possibility for why Ilja Dragunov lost on WWE Monday Night RAW is the most upsetting. There is a chance that Triple H and World Wrestling Entertainment have given up on The Mad Dragon.
Sometimes WWE management and any kind of management for that matter could potentially have big hopes for a star. Then, for whatever reason, that hope and interest fade away and they no longer plan to push the talent in question. This could be what happened to Ilja and it may be why he lost on Monday.
Realistically, this is the least likely scenario. While Ilja doesn't have a ton to do right now, he main-evented Monday Night RAW and has done so multiple times since being called up. It is clear The Game likes The Mad Dragon and putting the performer in another main event doesn't seem like the kind of sign that indicates he's given up on Ilja. Still, you never know.
#3. Bron Breakker vs Jey Uso has been being built up for a few weeks now
A different explanation for Ilja Dragunov's unfortunate loss in the WWE RAW main event could simply come down to what has been planned out long-term. Jey Uso and Bron Breakker have more of a story right now than Bron and Ilja do.
While Breakker and Dragunov have a long history together, it is Jey and Bron who have been taking shots at one another and even have had heated face-to-face confrontations. Given how Triple H and WWE seem to prefer long-term booking now, this implies that Jey vs. Bron was the plan for a while.
Bron Breakker vs. Jey Uso is a huge feud. Bron is the future and arguably the present of pro wrestling. Meanwhile, Jey is a huge name and a top star. As great as Ilja is, this feud with a build already behind it just makes more sense right now.
#2. WWE may have other plans for Ilja Dragunov
Sometimes it can be easy for fans to jump to conclusions or be overly reactionary. A great example of this is Chad Gable. Many WWE fans were frustrated when Gable failed to defeat Gunther for the coveted Intercontinental Title.
Looking back now, however, the defeat meant far more for Chad's WWE career than a victory would have. He ended up having a great storyline with Sami Zayn, The Alpha Academy, and The Wyatt Sicks. It also led to American Made being created.
Fans might not realize that Triple H and company officials could already have big plans in store for The Mad Dragon. Ilja Dragunov is a fantastic wrestler, so the big question is what will he do? Perhaps a feud with Gunther or even Bronson Reed could be on the horizon.
#1. Jey Uso is a massive star
The final and most likely explanation for Ilja Dragunov losing the Fatal Four-Way Match against Braun Strowman, Jey Uso, and Pete Dunne on WWE RAW is simply Jey Uso's star power. Nobody is doing it quite like 'Main Event' Jey Uso.
Jey Uso is just absurdly popular. Fans adore him and the "yeet" that he pulls out so frequently. When Jey comes out, the WWE fans start rocking in ways that rarely happen in pro wrestling. He is adored.
His immense popularity could be exactly why Jey won. Triple H and World Wrestling Entertainment aren't dummies, they know how beloved Uso is. As a result, it only makes sense for him to get the spot.