Dragunov discussed the figures who shaped his approach to professional wrestling when he began pursuing the career. He noted that his inspiration came from a different style than traditional American professional wrestling.
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“So when I started to do to pursue professional wrestling, I had different influences that made me start. And it wasn’t necessarily the American wrestling-ish style or however you would call it. Like, my role models are [the] Kabashis, Mako Satamuras. Terry Funks, Roddy Pipers. William Regals. And coming from continental Europe, we have our own legends like Axe Dieter, Klaus Karlhoff, René Lazartes,” Dragunov told TMZ Inside the Ring.”
He added that his regional background defined how he views the craft of performing inside the ring.
“These are — where I come from, and what people inspired me, professional wrestlers are fighters. And that’s how we entertain. We don’t entertain first and then we are fighters or portraying fighters; we are fighters in the first place,” Dragunov stated.
Transition to All Elite Wrestling
Dragunov made his debut for All Elite Wrestling at WrestleDream and subsequently secured his in-ring debut victory on Dynamite against Mike Bailey. Reflecting on his move to the American promotion, Dragunov highlighted the presence of established talent like Samoa Joe.
“Coming over to the States is definitely of course, like a different direction. But this is the beautiful thing about AEW being a place for people who are really expressing this craft. Like, people being there like a Samoa Joe, who was highly influential on me when I didn’t even know how to put on a wristlock. To know that this person is there for instance, just as an example — yeah, it clicks with me and resonates with me. And I feel like, ‘Okay, okay, that feels good,’” Dragunov said.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.
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