WWE Universe reacts to former champion confronting Bron Breakker on NXT

WWE fans and wrestling industry figures have taken to social media to give their thoughts on Ilja Dragunov confronting Bron Breakker.

On last night's NXT 2.0, JD McDonagh went one-on-one with Tyler Bate in the main event. This saw the Irishman pick up a win over Big Strong Boy, becoming the number one contender for the NXT Championship. McDonagh and champ Bron Breakker then faced off in the ring, when another former NXT UK talent emerged.

Ilja Dragunov, a man who spent over 300 days as the NXT UK Champion, returned to a large pop from the crowd. Breakker seemed quite happy to see the Russian, McDonagh, however, was less pleased. The Irishman repeatedly screamed "no" as the former NXT UK standout entered the ring. Now, the WWE Universe and figures from the wrestling world have taken to Twitter to react.

WWE NXT video highlights: Ilja Dragunov returns dlvr.it/SYk9kG https://t.co/hGEKeT4maY

[News/Resultats] Ilja Dragunov a fait ses débuts à #WWENXT hier soir !

https://t.co/ZJsoFQpUmR

Ilja Dragunov is back yeah it's over.

#WWENXT https://t.co/5dhNe3DkG3

Whenever I hear Ilja Dragunov's new entrance music...

#WWENXT https://t.co/qPHh3XJO3y

I also demand Ilja Dragunov as NXT Champion and Alba Fyre as NXT Women's champion at Halloween Havoc!!! #WWENXT 🔥☝️ twitter.com/GOATGOD_1000/s…

Ilja Dragunov returning was a great surprise

Me, alone in my house like a sociopath when Ilja Dragunov showed up on #WWENXT tonight! https://t.co/xR2oWPqa7i

NXT’s roster is starting to develop pretty nicely now with the development of guys like Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes, as well as the NXT UK talent coming over like Tyler Bate and Ilja Dragunov. An exciting little scene over there with a lot of potential for bangers.

Oh thank God they didn't change Ilja Dragunov's name

#WWENXT https://t.co/SOHkKNk1XL

Ilja Dragunov finally shows up & he wants the NXT Championship since he had to relinquish his title due to injury. This about to get good. #WWENXT twitter.com/WWE/status/157…

Ilja Dragunov returns and confronts Breakker and McDonagh. #WWENXT

The Irish Ace just had a BANGER of a match against Tyler and they just flushed it w/ the return of Ilja Dragunov.

And for once, I'm not mad.

Make it a Triple Threat for the Title w/ Kid Steiner.

#WWENXT

Would u guys be mad if it was Ilja Dragunov? Him waving his arm to “White Rabbit” would be a sight to see…

Thank God Vince isn’t in charge anymore. He’d have Ilja Dragunov change his name to Nikolai Putin. #WWENXT

HE'S HERE #WWENXT

ILJA DRAGUNOV IS BACK TO RECLAIM WHAT HE NEVER LOST

Ilja Dragunov v Bron Breakker is going to tear up & setoff the new era! https://t.co/fwJ034jVNa

Dragunov's impressive and lengthy NXT UK Title reign was ended by injury before the final set of the show's tapings. At these tapings, Tyler Bate won a tournament to decide the final ever NXT UK Champion.

Ilja Dragunov confronting Bron Breakker was revealed in a spoiler

Though many at the WWE Performance Center were surprised by Dragunov's return, this is because the show was taped ahead of time.

News of the Breakker, Dragunov and McDonagh segment was broken in a spoiler by a number of wrestling news sites when the tapings took place a few weeks ago. This meant that many fans were already aware of the return before the episode of NXT aired. The spoilers also detailed a promo segment that was recorded between the three men, set to air on next week's NXT.

.@UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR steps on @jd_mcdonagh's moment with shocking arrival on #WWENXT

Full results 👉 ms.spr.ly/6011j498z https://t.co/Jir7BpDkoT

The promo will apparently set up a triple threat match for the NXT Championship at the upcoming NXT Halloween Havoc event. The event will be broadcast on Peacock and the WWE Network on Saturday October 2nd 2022.

What did you think of Dragunov's return? Do you think he can topple Bron Breakker? Share your thoughts in the comment section down below.