Surprise heel turn, championship challenge? - 4 possible directions for Ilja Dragunov following his Money in the Bank qualifying loss on WWE RAW
WWE Monday Night RAW aired last night on the USA Network. The show featured another compelling vignette from Wyatt Sicks, more drama within The Judgment Day, and a fantastic main event.
The last bout of the night was a Triple Threat Match that also served as a Money in the Bank qualifier. The three stars included were former world champions, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus, alongside the up-and-coming Ilja Dragunov.
Ilja was called up as part of the 2024 Draft, and he's immediately made an impression. This was evident when he stood toe-to-toe with two of the biggest names in the company and didn't seem out of place. Despite that, however, the former NXT Champion failed to secure his spot in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Now, all eyes are on what The Mad Dragon may do next on Monday Night RAW. This article will take a look at a handful of possible directions for the intense star, which could include an epic feud and even a heel turn.
Below are four possible directions for Ilja Dragunov following his Money in the Bank qualifying loss on WWE RAW.
#4. He could feud with Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre is a powerful WWE star who, for many years, never seemed to quite reach his potential. That is no longer the case, however, as The Scottish Psychopath is a multi-time world champion and one of the most entertaining personalities on television.
As noted, Drew, Sheamus, and Ilja Dragunov had an epic Triple Threat Match on WWE Monday Night RAW. Ilja was battered on the outside of the ring and was unable to stop Drew from defeating The Celtic Warrior and winning the bout.
Dragunov will no doubt want to have a crack at McIntyre in singles competition. This could lead to the two having a full-on rivalry. This is especially possible depending on when CM Punk will return to action. If he'll be away for a few more months, Drew's focus could be on The Mad Dragon.
#3. Ilja Dragunov could turn heel
Ilja Dragunov is a complicated performer to describe. On paper, Ilja shouldn't work. The WWE star is a bit bizarre, smaller, and has a unique charisma that perhaps shouldn't translate to the average fan.
Instead, his charisma does translate and he is one of the most intense and aggressive performers in WWE today. While that is endearing, the intensity and aggression could also serve him well as a heel. Following his loss on RAW, that could be the route Ilja takes.
Dragunov could go down the villainous road and turn heel. If he were to snap and brutally attack a beloved babyface such as Jey Uso or Seth Rollins, Ilja could make a splash in a brand new way and hopefully gain momentum in the process.
#2. He could challenge the winner of Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn
The WWE Intercontinental Championship is one of the oldest titles in all of professional wrestling. The belt is also one of the most prestigious. It is currently held by Sami Zayn who defeated Gunther to win the gold at WrestleMania.
The Canadian star will have his work cut out for him come WWE Money in the Bank, however. He will be putting his belt on the line in a singles match against the unstoppable Bron Breakker. This could be Sami's biggest test to date as the Intercontinental Champion.
Ilja Dragunov has history with Bron, but none with Sami. Regardless of which man leaves with the Intercontinental Title, Dragunov could make it his goal to challenge the winner and claim his first main roster championship. Either challenge would be difficult, but if anybody can stop one of the two, it would be The Mad Dragon.
#1. Dragunov could reignite his WWE rivalry with Gunther
Gunther is one of the most dominant superstars in modern WWE history. He holds the record for one of the longest-reigning title reigns in the history of both the NXT United Kingdom Championship and the prized Intercontinental Title.
The Ring General has a massive match ahead of him. Thanks to winning the 2024 King of the Ring Tournament, Gunther will be challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE SummerSlam. His opponent will likely be either Damian Priest or Seth Rollins, depending on who wins at Money in the Bank.
While it isn't clear who Gunther will face, he could have another foe in Ilja Dragunov. The two are long-time rivals who had epic battles on NXT and NXT UK. The feud reigniting was recently teased and it could be what Ilja does next. Gunther may be in trouble if he has a Mad Dragon on his heels.