Entertainment
WWE’s WALTER suffers severe injury forcing company to delay NXT UK Championship match with Ilja Dragunov
The Ring General is legitimately hurt (Photo: WWE)
WWE superstar WALTER has suffered a ‘severe’ injury putting him out of action.
The NXT UK Champion was set to face Ilja Dragunov in a highly anticipated rematch on next week’s show, but the bout has been delayed with the Imperium leader unable to compete.
In a statement on WWE.com, the company said: ‘WWE medical staff has confirmed WALTER has suffered a severe injury to his left hand and has been deemed unfit to compete for his scheduled rematch with Ilja Dragunov.
‘Following the press conference between the two combatants, the NXT UK Champion sustained the injury in a backstage altercation with The Mad Russian.’
Metro.co.uk understands that the injury is legitimate, and not simply part of the ongoing storyline.
Neither of the two stars have commented on the delay to the match.
Fans will be waiting a bit longer for the match (Photo: WWE)
The disappointing news came less than an hour after WWE aired a press conference with both men discussing the upcoming bout.
On Thursday’s episode of NXT UK, the pair were asked what fans could expect from the rematch, with the first match held in such high regard.
Media gathered for the press conference on this week’s episode (Photo: WWE)
Dragunov told Metro.co.uk on the show: ‘Undoubtedly, you can expect brutality, violence, intensity, everything like I’ve promised and is has been – this match redefined violence.
‘But this time, people will just forget what violence means because WALTER versus Dragunov will replace this word. Well, just with a slight difference – the outcome will be another one. WALTER shouldn’t be too arrogant, he should just get over his God complex.’
He then got interrupted by his rival, who tore him down before the pair butted heads.
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The Ring General responded: ‘Every time I step into the ring, I redefine this sport Ilja, and last time we wrestled you were just happy enough to be part of it. OK?
‘I’ve seen enough. I’ve seen enough of you being sad about yourself. I’m calling it now, Ilja. You are a fraud. You are all show, that’s what you are.
‘Because last time Ilja, you realised you are not man enough. You are fantastic, but you’re not on my level.’
*NXT UK airs Thursdays at 8pm on the WWE Network and Fridays at 10pm on BT Sport 1.
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