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SmackDown · Russia
Mad Dragon
Former NXT Champion
Ilja Dragunov — The Mad Dragon
There is no one in professional wrestling who performs with the same uncut, almost frightening intensity as Ilja Dragunov. The Russian-born SmackDown competitor arrived in WWE through NXT UK, became one of the most decorated performers in that brand's history, then won the NXT Championship and announced himself to the world. When the Torpedo Moskow connects, the match is over. Full stop.
TORPEDO MOSKOW
Finisher
NXT UK + NXT Champion
SmackDown main roster 2024
The Ilja Dragunov Story
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NXT UK to the World — The Dragunov Journey
Ilja Dragunov built his legend in NXT UK, a brand that consistently produced some of the best pure wrestling matches in WWE's modern era. His feud with WALTER — now Gunther — is considered one of the greatest series in recent memory. That level of performance at that level of pressure is what makes him different.
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NXT Championship — Intensity Rewarded
Winning the NXT Championship was the culmination of everything Ilja Dragunov had built. He didn't just win the title — he defined the kind of champion NXT needed after years of polished presentation. His reign was raw, physical, and completely authentic to who he is as a performer and a competitor.
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Torpedo Moskow — The Most Dangerous Lariat in WWE
The Torpedo Moskow is a running lariat delivered with every kilogram of Dragunov's body weight behind it. It looks like it genuinely hurts because the way Ilja throws himself into it suggests he doesn't care about the impact on himself either. That commitment is what separates a great finisher from a devastating one.
Ilja Dragunov Highlights
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Never EVER doubt Dominik 👀🔥
3 views · 3 hours ago
That hand don't lie... ☝️😳
2 views · 3 hours ago
Top 10 WWE NXT moments: WWE Top 10, June 2, 2026
1 views · 3 hours ago
The mask is gone, but the legacy remains. 🙏
2 views · 3 hours ago
Thanks for ruining a great moment, Ethan Page 🙄
1 views · 3 hours ago
Respect. 🫵🙂↕️
2 views · 7 hours ago
Bro thinks he's him 💀
4 views · 7 hours ago
FULL INTERVIEW: Sol Ruca on Women’s Intercontinental Title win | WWE Clash in Italy Recap: WWE Now
2 views · 7 hours ago
Seth Rollins was on his toes the whole night 👏👏👏
2 views · 7 hours ago
FULL EPISODE: Lyra Valkyria vs. Ivy Nile, Jordynne Grace vs. Kiana James: June 4, 2026
0 views · 7 hours ago
Longest-reigning WWE Champions in history: WWE Top 10, June 3, 2026
3 views · 11 hours ago
FULL MATCH: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez | Street Fight: Night of Champions 2025
3 views · 11 hours ago
ONE. NIGHT. ONLY. 🔥👏 #WWENXT
4 views · 15 hours ago
Lexis King is STILL your Speed Champion! 🏆⏰ #WWENXT
3 views · 15 hours ago
Nattie isn’t falling for any of it! 😤❌ #WWENXT
2 views · 15 hours ago
Myles Borne & Tavion Heights vs. DarkState: NXT highlights, June 2, 2026
1 views · 15 hours ago
DarkState is finally on the same page 🔥👊 #WWENXT
5 views · 15 hours ago
LIGHTS OUT for Kam Hendrix 😨 #WWENXT
0 views · 15 hours ago
Analysis & Coverage
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Event Preview
Ilja Dragunov's return is the violent spark SmackDown needs tonight
2 weeks, 5 days ago
Prediction
Ilja Dragunov is the main event player WWE is ignoring
1 month ago
Injury Report
WM42 Chatter? Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes Need WM41 Moments, Now!
1 month, 2 weeks ago
Commentary
Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov just tore the house down on SmackDown
2 months, 1 week ago
Commentary
Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov just set a new standard for Friday nights
2 months, 1 week ago
Transfer Rumor
Is Ilja Dragunov on the verge of a main roster breakout?
2 months, 1 week ago
Match Preview
Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov are destined to tear the house down
2 months, 1 week ago
Latest News
View AllHAYES VERSUS DRAGUNOV: LIVE ONGOING WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
PWInsider
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WWE SmackDown Results (March 21, 2026): Orton Embraces The Viper, Hayes Retains US Title Over Dragunov, Priest And Truth Win Tag Titles, Tama Tells Solo He’s “Acting Like Roman,” Jade’s Faction Attacks Rhea
WrestlingNews.co
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Carmelo Hayes Beats Ilja Dragunov In Latest WWE Men's US Title Defense On SmackDown
Wrestling Inc
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Trick Williams Names Ilja Dragunov As WWE Star Who Pushed Him To ‘Next Level’
WrestleTalk
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Ilja Dragunov Addresses He & Carmelo Hayes Missing Out On WWE WrestleMania 42 Card, ‘Somewhere Down The Line It’s All Going To Make Sense’
WrestleTalk
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Ilja Dragunov Says Missing WrestleMania 42 Won’t Hurt Carmelo Hayes: ‘People That Work Like Him Get Their Payoff’
WrestlingNews.co
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Ilja Dragunov Comments On WWE WrestleMania 42 Absence For Himself & Carmelo Hayes
Wrestling Inc
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Ilja Dragunov Identifies Important Lesson Learned From WWE NXT Boss Shawn Michaels
Wrestling Inc
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Ilja Dragunov Defends Brock Lesnar No-Selling His Chops at WWE Royal Rumble
Ringside News
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Ilja Dragunov Names Classic Staredown As His Favorite WWE WrestleMania Moment
Wrestling Inc
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WWE’s Ilja Dragunov Recalls Training With Nattie & TJ Wilson At The Dungeon Ahead Of Return From Injury
WrestleTalk
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