Ilja Dragunov is keeping things positive.
People have been frustrated with both Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes being taken out of the US Title picture weeks before WrestleMania. The two had been involved in an intense rivalry over the belt leading up to the Show of Shows, and fans feel disappointed that neither of them have been given a place on the PPV card.
The Russian star was asked about this turn of events and if he felt disappointed at not getting the chance to showcase his talent at the biggest stage of them all during his recent interview with Ringer Wrestling. Though Ilja Dragunov did not complain about the situation, claiming that nobody can take away what he and Carmelo Hayes have achieved working together both in NXT and main roster:
I mean, you kind of roll with the punches in life. What would you say? Disappointment is such a hard word. I'm literally living my absolute best life. I have amazing performances with Carmelo. And I think honestly everything that we achieved together from NXT to the main roster.
Not having a match at WrestleMania this year is only one thing that we don't have, compared to all the things that we achieved in front of the audience. All the memories and moments we gave to the people that were watching us fighting. There's nothing that anyone can take away from us. And people will remember this. Somewhere down the line, it's all gonna make sense.
Dragunov later mentioned how Carmelo Hayes has developed a genuine connection with the crowd in his two years on the main roster. He claimed that not having a match at WrestleMania will not do any harm to that. Hayes himself had also spoken on this topic recently, though he was not so positive. You can check out his comments here.
