This year\u2019s edition of Night of Champions will feature the finals of the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments, with the winners going on to have a match for their brand\u2019s world championship at SummerSlam. One interesting name connected to the King of the Ring bracket is Ilja Dragunov, whose possible return has sparked speculation across social media. As of this writing, the winners will either face Gunther or John Cena and Iyo Sky or Tiffany Stratton.<\/p>\n
On Monday, June 9, the bracket for the entire tournament was unveiled, with every spot filled except for one. The June 16 episode of Monday Night Raw will feature a fatal four-way match between Bronson Reed, Rusev, Sheamus, and a mystery opponent. When that was pointed out, many people started speculating on who could fill the fourth spot.<\/p>\n
Given the timing and past run-ins with Gunther, it makes sense for Ilja Dragunov to make his return next Monday.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve watched NXT UK or NXT, you know who Ilja Dragunov is. A former NXT and NXT UK Champion, he has shown everyone that he can be menacing and powerful in the ring. Unfortunately, he hasn\u2019t shown that on the main roster because he\u2019s been out with a torn ACL.<\/p>\n
Happening at a live event in late September, it was estimated that it would take six to nine months to fully heal. It’s been nearly nine months since then, so the timing of Monday\u2019s announcement would make sense.<\/p>\n
In addition, they announced the return of Asuka on the women\u2019s side of the bracket. She also has been out since last year with an injury. Announcing her return but not his signifies that WWE really wants to keep the return under wraps.<\/p>\n
If he walks out next Monday, everyone is going to be very surprised in the best way.<\/p>\n
One of the most memorable rivalries in NXT UK was between Gunther, then named Walter, and Ilja Dragunov. These two men had several clashes on the brand, showcasing their immense skill and technical ability in the ring.<\/p>\n
Their NXT UK title matches on NXT UK TV and at NXT: TakeOver 36 were received with widespread acclaim across the whole wrestling world. In fact, their rivalry didn\u2019t start there. Back when they both worked for German promotion Westside Xtreme Wrestling, they clashed several times.<\/p>\n
Dragunov won the 16 Carat Gold Tournament in 2017 by beating Walter. The two also faced each other for the wXw Unified World Wrestling Championship the next year. It\u2019s obvious the two have tremendous chemistry with each other, given their many matches against each other.<\/p>\n
If Dragunov returns and runs the ladder, their iconic rivalry will continue in front of thousands of people at SummerSlam.<\/p>\n