A WWE performer recently named Ilja Dragunov as the most physically intense wrestler he has ever faced in the ring. Known for his punishing style, Dragunov has maintained a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in WWE, a quality prominently displayed during his United States Championship open challenges on SmackDown earlier this year.
Relationship Between Dragunov and Trick Williams
During his time in NXT, Ilja Dragunov was engaged in a competitive rivalry with Trick Williams over the NXT Championship, which helped both wrestlers earn considerable respect from fans and peers. In a recent interview with My Mom’s Basement, Williams was asked to identify the stiffest wrestler he had encountered, to which he stated:
“Ilja Dragunov. He kicked me one time and my vision turned off. Then he kicked me again and it cut back on. He said, ‘Protect yourself Trick!’”
– Trick Williams
Insights on Other WWE Wrestlers From Trick Williams
Williams also shared his thoughts on other wrestlers he has worked with. He named Oba Femi as the strongest competitor, highlighted Tony D’Angelo and R-Truth as the funniest wrestlers, and acknowledged Ricochet and Rey Fenix as the best technical wrestlers he has faced.
The Importance of Dragunov’s Reputation in WWE
Ilja Dragunov’s reputation as the stiffest wrestler underscores WWE’s range of wrestling styles and the physical demands of the sport. Williams’ firsthand account adds credibility to Dragunov’s fierce in-ring style, which contributes to the tension and drama that captivates wrestling audiences. As Dragunov continues to compete in WWE, his physical approach is likely to remain a key aspect of his matches and storyline impact.
Rapid fire questions with @_trickwilliams
-Strongest wrestler
-Funniest wrestler
-Stiffest worker
-Best technical wrestler
-Most painful finisher pic.twitter.com/7pG0ElVIUJ— Robbie Fox (@RobbieBarstool) March 5, 2026
