Ilja Dragunov Becomes The New NXT Champion, Beats Carmelo Hayes At NXT No Mercy 2023

In a thrilling match that had wrestling fans on the edge of their seats, Ilja Dragunov emerged victorious over Carmelo Hayes to become the new NXT Champion. This exciting event unfolded at NXT No Mercy 2023. This wasn’t just any match. It was the second time these two talented wrestlers went head-to-head, adding more tension to an already electric atmosphere. So really happened during the match, and how Ilja won the NXT Champion, here is the detailed match preview for you.

Right from the start, Ilja wasted no time and dashed towards Hayes. He gave Carmelo a hard time with his powerful attacks. It was clear he wanted that championship title. But Hayes wasn’t going to let it be easy. After a series of stomps and hits, Hayes got thrown against the ropes. Dragunov, with a sudden burst of energy, moved swiftly to corner him. With a few quick moves, he knocked Hayes out of the ring. But Carmelo wasn’t going to stay down. He got up and, like a true champ, fought back with all his might.

Back inside the ring, Hayes tried to gain control. He hit Ilja with some strong punches and even managed to take him to the corner of the ring. But Ilja had other plans. With a swift move, he sent Hayes spinning with a lariat. He then jumped high and landed on Hayes. It looked painful for Carmelo. Ilja didn’t stop there; he gave Hayes some sharp chops and even a powerful boot to the head. But the champ was resilient. He managed to get his shoulders up and avoid being pinned.

With every move, Dragunov made it clear he was there to win. He continued his series of attacks, which included a knee to the head, stomps, and even a forearm strike. Just when it seemed Hayes might be in trouble, he showed his fighting spirit. He retaliated with his own set of chops. The match was a thriller for the fans out there. After a big show, both wrestlers ended up on the floor.

But neither gave up. They both got to their knees and started exchanging blows. It was clear neither wanted to lose. They got back to their feet, and Ilja managed to hit Hayes with a kick to the head. But Hayes had an answer, as he responded with a kick too! He then used a springboard bulldog move on Ilja, trying to pin him. But Dragunov was not ready to give in; he kicked out.

Hayes tried to keep up the pressure, stomping on Ilja and trying different moves. But Ilja, ever the fighter, blocked a kick and responded with a knee strike. He then lifted Hayes and slammed him hard onto the canvas with an elevated powerbomb. Just when we thought Ilja might win, Hayes fought back with a headscissors bulldog move, trying to pin Dragunov. But Ilja kicked out again.

The match’s intensity only grew from there. Dragunov tried multiple moves, from climbing the turnbuckle to leaping into a codebreaker. Each time Hayes found a way to counter, even delivering a superkick to Dragunov. But every attempt to pin was met with resistance.

At one thrilling point, Hayes tried to surprise Ilja by jumping off the top rope. But Ilja was ready and hit him with a clothesline in mid-air! He climbed the turnbuckle again and dived down, striking Hayes. The fans held their breath as Ilja went for the pin. And this time, Hayes couldn’t kick out.

The referee declared Ilja Dragunov the winner. The stadium erupted in cheers as Ilja celebrated his well-earned victory. He was now the new NXT Champion.