Ilja Dragunov On Staying True To Himself In WWE, People Considering Him ‘Cringey’

Ilja Dragunov understands that some people find his authenticity “cringey,” and he says he’s okay with that. Dragunov has remained true to who he is as a person and performer in WWE, often showing emotional vulnerability in his performances and staying true to himself.

Dragunov was asked about putting himself out there in his interview with Adrian Hernandez. He said that it’s the only way that he can be successful and knows that he has fans and critics regarding it, but he is fine with that as well. You can see the highlights below:

On Remaining Himself Throughout His WWE Run:

“I mean, it depends on how you see it. I think it’s the only way how I can be truly successful. I mean, I don’t see a reason to copy anything or try to be anybody else, because I feel people is going to believe it anyway.

On Reactions To His Authenticity:

“I think I’m polarizing a lot. Because if I look at my at the my fan base — and I appreciate both sides. People that really understand me — and it’s crazy how much people understand me even better than I do sometimes when you go through comments and everything — and some people who think I’m the cringiest person in the world. Which is also totally fine. Because if you are truly yourself, and you stick to what is honest to you, people will misunderstand you. And that is totally fine. And I respect and love both sides because it’s — you know, at the end of the day, I do it for myself. And I would be a liar if I would put anything else out there than my truth.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Adrian Hernandez with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.