Sheamus Believes Ilja Dragunov Will Be a ‘Big Hit’ in WWE if Given a Chance

Sheamus recently revealed wrestlers whom he thinks have the potential to make it big in WWE.

Several young talents have been called up from NXT to the main roster since the start of this year. This includes Oba Femi, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and more.

During a recent appearance on Adam’s Apple, Sheamus was asked about the wrestlers who he thinks have the potential to become a main event player in WWE moving forward.

Apart from naming the usual suspects like Oba and Trick, Sheamus named former United States Champion Ilja Dragunov as someone who can make it big if given the chance to shine. The Celtic Warrior also lamented the fact that he never got to wrestle with Ilja during his WWE stint. Dragunov has not been featured on WWE TV since April 2026.

Here’s what he said:

“I mean, obviously Oba, but I never got a chance to go with him. He’s come out of the gate swinging hard, definitely my type of opponent. I’m trying to think from the perspective of anything else not obvious because Oba seems like an obvious choice now. Trick is doing well.

“Ilja Dragunov is another guy I wanted to wrestle. He’s just a lunatic. Same as me. He just wants to go out there, put up the best fight he possibly can. Ilja’s another one I never got a chance to dance with, but if he gets a good opportunity, Ilja will be a big hit.”

Listen to his comments below:

Elsewhere in the interview, Sheamus opened up about his WWE departure earlier this month and whether he regrets not winning the Intercontinental Championship. Check his comments HERE & HERE.

Please credit Adam’s Apple and give an H/T to 411Mania for the transcription if you take quotes from this article.