Booker T Thinks Ilja Dragunov Joining Imperium Would Be ‘Really, Really Good’

Originally posted on Wrestlezone | By Hamish Woodward | Last updated 4/29/24

Booker T wants to see Ilja Dragunov fill a hole in one of WWE’s top factions.

Imperium recently lost one of its members. Following Gunther‘s loss to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 40, tensions were high in the European group. This came to a head on Raw, where Giovanni Vinci was kicked out of the faction in a shock exit from the group.

With just Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser left in the group, reinforcements could be on the way. Booker T spoke on his “Hall of Fame” podcast about the possibility of former NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov joining the group.

The Russian recently lost the NXT Championship to Trick Williams and has been called up to the main roster. His European connection makes him perfect for the group, and Booker T thinks being with Imperium would stop him from being lost in the shuffle.

Booker T said on his podcast:

“I tell you what, man, that would be a great spot for him. Definitely would be great, you know? Because just being in that faction right there, he won’t get lost in the shuffle or anything like that. He’s really, really good. And you’re going to be looking to see who we can, you know, put him with. Him being a part of that group right there, you can put him against anybody, and he can definitely go out there and shine, no matter who you put him out against, because he’s going to have backup. So, yeah, I could see that happening right there. That would be a great faction for him to be a part of.”

Booker T: Trick Williams Is A Generational Talent

Speaking with Graham GSM Matthews for WrestleRant, Booker T gave his view on new NXT Champion Trick Williams.

He said that Trick is a “generational talent”. However, he warned that he still needs time in NXT before he is ready for the WWE main roster.

“By the time he gets to that next level, and I can say this, is Trick Williams ready for the main roster right now? Me personally, I don’t think so,” Booker T said. “But that’s what NXT is for, to get these young guys ready for that next level, just like Carmelo Hayes.

“For the last two years, he’s been grinding. Give Trick Williams that same amount of time and see how this young man develops. He is truly going to be a generational talent in this business that hasn’t come along in a long time.”