Keep It Growing. WWE To Sign Two More Big Independent Names.

Two more for the good (?) guys. WWE certainly enjoys signing up major independent names for their developmental systems. With the bidding wars between AEW and other independent promotions against WWE starting up and WWE busting out a major option, WWE is going to be signing up some more names. As it turns out, they might have a few more names coming into the fold.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, independent stars Shane Strickland and Ilja Dragunov are going to be signing with WWE in the near future. Strickland, better known as Killshot from Lucha Underground, is a former Major League Wrestling World Champion and would likely head to NXT. Dragunov has been wrestling around the European circuit, including with Progress, and would likely become a top star in NXT UK.

In case you need to get to know him. Check out some of Strickland’s best:

And just to be fair. Also check out one of Dragunov’s best efforts:

Ilja Dragunov - wXw 16 Carat Gold Gewinner

Opinion: The talent just keeps growing. There are so many names in WWE and NXT anymore that it’s hard to keep track of all of them. These two could be big stars for either promotion and, which not likely the big reason, they could be kept off other rosters. If WWE keeps signing these people up for our enjoyment, it’s not the worst thing in the world, especially if it means more money for them.

Which of these two will be more successful? Who else do you want to see WWE sign? Let us know in the comments below.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has seen over 50,000 wrestling matches. He has also been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 5,000 full shows covered. You can find his work at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or check out his Amazon author page with 28 wrestling books. His latest book is the the Complete 1997 Monday Night Raw Reviews.

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