Ilja Dragunov Addresses Brock Lesnar No Selling His Chops In The Royal Rumble

Ilja Dragunov entered the men’s Royal Rumble at number 17, lasting just over 10 minutes before he was eliminated by Brock Lesnar.

Dragunov hit Lesnar with a series of chops, before Lesnar screamed at him and then tossed him over the top rope and to the floor. Many fans were upset over Lesnar no selling the chops.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani on the Ariel Helwani Show, Dragunov was asked about Lesnar’s no sell and fans being upset on his behalf.

“First of all, shoutout to all of my fans that are feeling with me, are passionate with me, and get angry for me. I love all of you guys and you’ve been sticking with me forever. I appreciate you concern. I said it before: if you really understand the persona that I have in the ring for most of my career, I’ve been facing monsters. You have a person like Brock Lesnar standing in front of you. Most people would run away. Me, as Ilja Dragunov, he’s tough, mentally and physically. For what I was given and how the whole situation occurred, I did the best I could do about it. I can’t change anything about it. My best career moments were made by my vulnerability. I wasn’t becoming a name by being the person who dominates at all times. I became a name on moments where I got beaten down badly. My nose makes a right turn because it’s been broken a couple of times. It’s always how I fought back and recovered after those moments. These moments make great stories. I don’t see it as a defeat. I’m glad people are upset for me, and maybe it could’ve worked out a different way, but I didn’t spare a second or third thought about it,” he said.

Nothing came of the moment between Lesnar and Dragunov.

Elsewhere during the interview, Dragunov discussed his WWE departure. You can find his full comments here.

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