4 reasons why Ilja Dragunov MUST be the mystery man in the WWE King of the Ring Tournament

thumbnail

Massive WWE news has seemingly dropped courtesy of Sportskeeda and WrestleVotes. A former champion is nearing a return after being away from the ring for around nine months.

That former champion is Ilja Dragunov. The Mad Dragon held the NXT Championship while on the developmental brand and previously held the United Kingdom Championship on the NXT brand.

Unfortunately, Ilja has been away from television for almost a year thanks to an injury. Now, however, it is looking as if he's nearing a return. The timing couldn't be more perfect either, as the King of the Ring Tournament is underway and there is an open spot on a qualifier set for RAW next week.

Ilja Dragunov not only could, but he should be the man who joins Rusev, Bronson Reed, and Sheamus in the Fatal 4-Way Match scheduled for RAW. This article will look at several reasons why The Mad Dragon must be the mystery star set for Monday.

Below are four reasons why Ilja Dragunov MUST be the mystery man in the WWE King of the Ring Tournament.


#4. It would be a great surprise, which would counter Asuka's announced return

WWE has had multiple big returns as of late. Some of these have been surprises, such as the return of Bayley on RAW, while others were promoted ahead of time, such as Nikki Bella's comeback this past week.

Some WWE fans have been disappointed that the Sports Entertainment juggernaut has seemingly carelessly spoiled the return of Asuka. The Empress' impending comeback was first shown on a Queen of the Ring bracket before it was formally announced later on during RAW.

Many in the audience were hoping for a surprise return that could excite fans. Ilja Dragunov's comeback could provide that if he's the mystery man in the King of the Ring Tournament. Triple H could make up for Asuka's disappointing return by having Ilja show up in an unexpected manner.


#3. He is reportedly nearing a return anyway

As noted previously in this article, Ilja Dragunov is rumored to be nearing a return. It isn't quite clear when that comeback will be or if he's technically ring-ready for a comeback. Still, if WWE has medically cleared The Mad Dragon, a return on Monday just makes sense logistically.

If he's nearing a return and plans are in place, why would Triple H and World Wrestling Entertainment have Ilja sit around on the sidelines for no good reason? It seems illogical to keep a talented performer out for an extended period of time without a clear purpose.

If he is indeed healthy and nearing a return, it would be wise to just peel the bandage off immediately and release him back into the world as a threat on RAW. Leaving The Mad Dragon benched would be a major mistake by WWE, and it is one they likely realize they can avoid.


#2. Gunther and Ilja Dragunov have a long history together in WWE

Gunther is once again on top of the world in WWE. He battled Jey Uso on Monday Night RAW and defeated The Yeetman to regain the World Heavyweight Championship after having previously lost the gold at WrestleMania.

Ilja Dragunov and The Ring General are not strangers. Back when Gunther had Imperium, he and Ilja waged war on NXT UK and NXT. Their issues were then brought up on WWE RAW last year, but Ilja suffered an injury that prevented the teasers from going anywhere.

Given their long history, it only makes sense that Ilja returns in the King of the Ring Tournament. If he wins, he could then challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam and showcase their insane in-ring chemistry to a larger audience.


#1. This could be the start of Ilja being pushed harder this time around

Ilja Dragunov was called up to WWE's main roster last year. Fans were excited to see him on the red brand each week, but Ilja's push on Monday Night RAW was a bit strange.

He was never made to look weak. Ilja either won every match he was in or had a super competitive bout with a top WWE star. Typically, his losses even gave him an out. Still, Ilja never really broke out as quickly as fans had hoped.

Thankfully, Triple H can fix this by fast-tracking Ilja this time around. If he enters the King of the Ring Tournament and wins, Dragunov will instantly become a top guy in the company. Allowing someone as talented as Ilja to languish in the mid-card is unnecessary. He deserves a push right out of the gate and could get it this time.