Towards the end of NXT UK, both Ilja Dragunov and Meiko Satomura were staples of the brand’s weekly TV. The former carried the NXT UK Championship for just under a year before relinquishing it due to injury while the latter took the Women’s Championship into World’s Collide in September.
Dragunov has competed in four matches since arriving in America for the main version of NXT, all within a month of the closure of the UK brand. Though, we haven’t seen the Russian since October and Meiko Satomura is yet to follow up on her win over Roxanne Perez two days after World’s Collide.
While partaking in the NXT Vengeance Day media call, Shawn Michaels has clarified the situation regarding both of the international talents.
“Much like several months ago, we want them here and love having them here. A lot of it is availability, a lot of it is, as you said, visa issues. A lot of it, also, that is a big career move and life difference. Those are all things we want people to consider before they make that move. Nothing would thrill me more than to have Ilja and Meiko here on a regular basis. They are phenomenal talent. We’re thrilled about Gallus being back and Tyler (Bate) being back. As far as who is to come in the future, a lot of that is up to the talent themselves and, also, there are visa issues, but we’re waiting on a long-term commitment from some people and we understand that’s not an easy decision to make.”
-Shawn Michaels
This isn’t the first time that Michaels has had to deal with visa issues as part of overseeing WWE’s third brand. Stars such as Gallus, Tyler Bate and Blair Davenport have all spent time away from NXT in recent months with visa troubles the reported reason behind their absences.
It’s unclear as of now what the future holds for Dragunov and Satomura but we will let you know as soon as we hear more.
H/T to Fightful for the transcription.
