GUNTHER: I Think The First NXT UK Match Ilja Dragunov & I Had Wouldn’t Have Been As Well-Received If It Hadn’t Happened In Empty Arena

GUNTHER looks back at his first NXT U.K. bout against Ilja Dragunov.

Going into WWE’s Clash in Italy Premium Live Event, GUNTHER is among the talents making the media rounds, and one of his stops was an appearance on No-Contest Wrestling.

As he was reflecting on the now-defunct NXT U.K. brand, he spoke about the first match he had with Ilja Dragunov on the brand, which was for the NXT U.K. Championship. GUNTHER feels the bout would not have been as well-received if it had not taken place in the empty arena at BT Sport studios in London.

“I was in a position with Ilja (Dragunov) back then to actually turn this whole thing into an advantage. I think the first match Ilja and I had in NXT U.K. wouldn’t have been as good, or as well-received if it wouldn’t have been in an empty arena. I think that atmosphere really added to it, and that was definitely a challenge and I’m very thankful that it happened that way because in life in general, I’m a person — I need responsibility and I need a challenge. I myself need a mountain to climb, and yeah, I’m very thankful that happened because at the end, I succeeded and it was a very valuable (lesson) for the rest of my career.”

GUNTHER is set to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash in Italy. Their bout will air during the first hour of the show.

If the quote in this article is used, please credit No-Contest Wrestling with an H/T to Fightful for the transcription.