The rematch between Ilja Dragunov and WWE NXT UK Champion WALTER has been delayed. WWE announced that WALTER is suffering from a severe injury to his left hand, and has been deemed unfit to compete. There is no word yet on if this is a legitimate injury.
Look who's here on @NXTUK!@TripleH kicks off #NXTUK with a blockbuster announcement.
NEXT WEEK… @WalterAUT vs. @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR for the #NXTUK Championship.
WALTER/DRAGUNOV II pic.twitter.com/R3Sf1ZYZnO
— WWE (@WWE) July 15, 2021
Today’s NXT UK episode opened with Triple H announcing Dragunov vs. WALTER II for next week’s show. They then went into an in-ring press conference with the champion and challenger. The presser ended with no physical altercation. The broadcast was interrupted later on with an announcement that Dragunov and WALTER ended up fighting backstage, where WALTER suffered the left-hand injury. It was then announced that the match has been delayed. WWE made the same announcements on social media.
WALTER/Dragunov II
Get ready for an instant classic, an absolute spectacle, a match that will continue to define and cement the legacy of the sacred @NXTUK Championship in the spirit of competition between the two very best on #NXTUK.
This will be a cannot miss encounter. pic.twitter.com/aN0rCeWB0I
— WWE (@WWE) July 15, 2021
Dragunov vs. WALTER II was to be the rematch from the October 29, 2020, NXT UK main event, which saw WALTER retain in a bout that was praised by fans and wrestlers. WWE recently began a storyline where Dragunov has dealt with anger issues due to the previous loss to WALTER. He recently picked up singles wins over Dave Mastiff and Noam Dar, and then defeated Joe Coffey and Rampage Brown in a Triple Threat on June 24 to move to the top of the list of potential contenders. WALTER attacked Dragunov in a post-match angle that night and choked him until he passed out. The leader of Imperium passed 800 days as champion back in mid-June.
BREAKING NEWS
WWE medical staff has confirmed @NXTUK Champion @WalterAUT has suffered a severe injury to his left hand and has been deemed unfit to compete for his scheduled rematch with @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR.
Stay locked in for more updates on this quickly developing story. pic.twitter.com/0ikZn4t4NF
— WWE (@WWE) July 15, 2021
Pic courtesy of WWE