One WWE star is remaining in good spirits despite a serious injury.
On the September 30th episode of Monday Night Raw, it was announced that Ilja Dragunov was out of action for the foreseeable future after suffering an injury. The injury in question took place two days prior at a live event on September 28th, where Dragunov faced off against Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship.
In addition to suffering defeat at the hands of the Ring General, Dragunov suffered a torn menisucs in the match and is expected to be out of action for 6-9 months.
On a new episode of WWE Die Woch via Instagram Live, host Sebastian Hackl gave an update on Dragunov, saying the star is in good spirits and making progress as he works toward a return to the ring.
I mean, his spirit is so strong. I texted him (Ilja Dragunov) last week after I heard that he had torn his ACL. An injury which I have suffered twice by the way and I know how devastating it is and he was in such good spirits, he was already on the way back and he’s just, like, the saying on the trunks, Unbesiegbar. You can’t defeat him. He’s invincible. He’s such a strong wrestler and he’s such a strong mind and I’m looking forward to him to come back already.
“He’s My Wrestling Soulmate” – WWE World Tag Team Champion JD McDonagh On Ilja Dragunov
Judgment Day member and current WWE World Tag Team Champion JD McDonagh appeared as a guest on the program, and he reflected on the times he’s faced off against Ilja Dragunov.
I was really looking forward to smacking Ilja Dragunov around on Monday Night Raw and unfortunately, he got injured. Every time I’ve stepped foot in the ring with Ilja, I felt like I’ve come out — after a while, after I’ve healed — I’ve been better.
I’ve learned something in the ring every time with Ilja; about myself, about what I can go through. He is my wrestling soulmate, in my opinion. I love wrestling Ilja. I hate it when I’m in there, it’s painful, you know? Harrowing and you come out feeling like you’ve been through a blender. But, I think he’s a one of a kind talent and I am looking forward to him coming back as soon as possible so I can put him back on the shelf.
Yes, me too (I’m looking forward to when Dragunov returns). I think it’s good for WWE and good for the wrestling industry having Ilja Dragunov a part of it, as much as it pains me to say. But, like you were saying, his body’s strong but his mind is even stronger. If there was anyone born for living rehab and training every day to come back — he’ll probably be back in three months (he laughed)… Speedy recovery.
h/t POST Wrestling
Everyone at Inside the Ropes wishes Ilja Dragunov well during his recovery from injury.