John Cena's specific advice and approval gave clarity to 30-year-old WWE star about career path

John Cena's latest WWE run has more of a subtle retirement tour feel to it. He rarely steps into the ring for a match but still evokes the desired reactions from live crowds like the seasoned veteran that he is.

Because of that very same reason, his recent appearance at WWE NXT on the October 10th edition meant a great deal to NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov.

Speaking on TV Insider, Dragunov disclosed his conversation with Cena backstage, who pulled him aside to tell him that he has to keep a goal in mind. That is, to make a connection with fans and create moments:

"It wasn’t a long conversation. What I really appreciated was him just randomly pulling me aside. This was something that doesn’t happen every day. He spoke about making moments and building a connection. That is what we were talking about. He gives you a whole different perspective, even when you may have the same opinion on things. When you have his approval, then you have the right mindset for this business, and you are on the right path," Dragunov said. [H/T: Fightful]

Ilja Dragunov recently discussed potentially moving to the main roster to end another iconic title reign of Gunther. However, the 30-year-old feels he is not on the same level as The Ring General today. Check out the details here.

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Ilja Dragunov was awestruck seeing WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker at NXT

The Undertaker's shocking return to WWE TV in the aforementioned edition of NXT was to have an in-ring confrontation with Bron Breakker. Kevin Nash recently reacted to The Phenom's reunion with Shawn Michaels backstage.

Speaking of The Undertaker backstage on an NXT show, Ilja Dragunov felt that meeting legends like the former was very motivational and also a solid representation of past and present:

"Meeting those legendary performers for the first time. You feel the connection between the present and the past in a very special way. A lot of people felt proud because you watched those guys growing up and now you’re in the same working environment. It gets you feeling in life, you feel everything is possible," Dragunov said. [H/T: Fightful]

On the October 31st edition of NXT, the second night of Halloween Havoc, NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov will defend his title against Carmelo Hayes.

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What are your thoughts on a future showdown between Ilja Dragunov and Gunther over the WWE IC Championship? Sound off in the comments section below!