WWE NXT UK TakeOver Cardiff: Live results, highlights and grades

https://twitter.com/WWEUniverse/status/1167867294111764480

Cesaro vs. Ilja Dragunov

In a backstage interview, Cesaro says he does not care who answers his open challenge. That’s when Ilja Dragunov steps into frame and they stare each other down. Looks like a challenge has been answered.

Immediately, Dragunov with a big boot and a series of strikes. Cesaro answers with chops.

Dragunov puts his hand in Cesaro’s face, asking him to bring it (Dwayne style). Cesaro answers with a big ole european uppercut.

Dragunov chops Cesaro and follows up with a senton for a 1-count. When Cesaro reaches his feet, Dragunov runs at Cesaro, but Cesaro picks him up, cradles him like a baby and throws him out the ring.

Cesaro continues to dominate. Teases a Big Swing, but instead decapitates him against the bottom rope. Sleeper hold rest stop until Ilja breaks out. He kicks at Cesaro, but gets caught, but recovers. He goes for a 619, but gets caught for a Big Swing! 40 swings, the crowd counts! He then locks in a Crossface. Dragunov breakouts and hits a 619-Clothesline combo.

Cesaro goes for an uppercut, but gets caught. Nearly gets a backslide pin, but Cesaro blocks it. He attempts a German Suplex, but Cesaro blocks it as well, but Ilja hits a one arm German Suplex instead. Cesaro rolls out, gets hit with a tope. On his way back in the ring, Ilja hits him with a Coast to Coast. Back in the ring to their feet, they trade back chops. Cesaro hits a right jab, but Ilja hits a series of Kobashi-esque chops.

Cesaro hits a Military Press GTS, for a near fall, then an uppercut for another near fall. Cesaro goes for another uppercut, but gets a backslide pin instead. Back to his feet, he gets a knee then a Death Valley Driver. Then, a senton from the top rope for a near fall.

Ilja sets up his running headbutt finish, but Cesaro lifts him in the air for a european uppercut, followed up by a Neutralizer for the win!

Winner: Cesaro

Grade: B+, My kind of match. Non-stop action. Loved every second of it. Super fun.

After the match, Cesaro teases an attack, but shakes Ilja’s hand and hugs him instead. Class act, that.