Former NXT UK champion Ilja Dragunov defeated Carmelo Hayes and became the new NXT champion in the NXT No Mercy main event. Carmelo Hayes has been the champion for 182 days until losing the title. Dragunov has been trying to be the NXT champion for a long time and he got his golden opportunity in NXT No Mercy.
However, despite such an intense bout in the ring, Dragunov and Hayes shared an emotional moment as they both hugged and greeted each other.
Ilja Dragunov beats Carmelo Hayes
Yesterday, in the main event of NXT No Mercy PLE, Ilja Dargunov faced off against Carmelo Hayes for the NXT Championship. The match was very entertaining due to the performances of both superstars.
DESTINY FULFILLED!@UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR is the NEW #WWENXT Champion!!!#NXTNoMercy pic.twitter.com/93RcS9j3ji
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) October 1, 2023
At the beginning of the match, Ilja Dragunov started delivering strong punches to Hayes. Dragunov dominated the first few minutes of the bout. Eventually, Carmelo was thrown out of the ring. But within a few seconds, Carmelo returned to the ring and took down Ilja with a huge tackle. Hayes then delivered some serious chops into the chest of Dragunov, followed by some serious punches.
Hayes and Dragunov traded blows for a few minutes. During the climax of the bout, Ilja Dragunov delivered a superplex. After that, Hayes performed a superkick and took the fight in the apron of the ring. However, Ilja caught Carmelo Hayes with a clothesline and took the fight back to the center of the ring. Then Dragunov delivered an H-Bomb and secured the victory.
Carmelo Hayes congratulates Ilja Dragunov despite defeat
Ilja Dragunov won the NXT Championship title from Carmelo Hayes on the latest WWE Premium Live Event, NXT No Mercy. They had a very intense fight during the match. However, both superstars did something after the match that melted the hearts of the fans.
Generational.
— Victor Taylor Perry (@wallflowerperry) October 1, 2023
Go out of your way to watch Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov absolutely masterful.
Easily MOTY contender. 🙏🏽pic.twitter.com/Zugkwn562l
Despite losing the title, former champion Carmelo Hayes was humble enough to congratulate his opponent, Ilja Draguno for becoming victorious in their bout. The former NXT UK champion was also happy with Carmelo. Then both NXT superstars shook hands and hugged each other inside the ring, except Dragunov was still hyped up with the adrenaline rush.
Do you think Ilja Dragunov will be able to do wonders in his new reign like in his previous one? Let us know your thoughts on it in the comment section below!
