WWE sets date for WALTER vs. Ilja Dragunov UK title rematch

Image: WWE

A rematch of one of 2020’s best matches will air on NXT UK in two weeks.

WWE has announced that WALTER will defend his NXT United Kingdom Championship against Ilja Dragunov on the Thursday, July 22 episode of NXT UK. There will be an in-ring press conference segment with WALTER and Dragunov on next week’s NXT UK to build up the title match.

WALTER defeated Dragunov on NXT UK last October to retain the NXT United Kingdom Championship. The match ranked fifth in the Match of the Year category in the 2020 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards.

In storyline, Dragunov has struggled with temper issues since losing to WALTER and has worked to get them under control. Dragunov defeated Rampage Brown and Joe Coffey in a triple threat match on NXT UK two weeks ago to be set up as the next challenger for WALTER’s title.

WALTER came to the ring and attacked Dragunov following that triple threat match. He dropped Dragunov with a slap and then put him in a choke, which was the same move he used to defeat Dragunov in their match last year. Dragunov passed out in the choke in that match.

WALTER has been NXT United Kingdom Champion since winning the title from Pete Dunne at NXT TakeOver: New York in April 2019.

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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.