Former WWE United States Champion and NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov is reportedly no longer with WWE.
According to PWInsider, a report that has since been confirmed by Fightful Select, Dragunov’s contract with WWE has expired. While the exact expiration date has not been disclosed, multiple signs point to his departure from the company.
Dragunov Removed From WWE Roster
The reports note that Dragunov was removed from WWE’s internal roster this week. In addition, WWE has moved “The Mad Dragon” to the alumni section of its official website, further indicating that his tenure with the company has come to an end.
Dragunov had most recently been featured on SmackDown following his return from a lengthy absence due to an ACL sprain.
One of the biggest moments of that comeback came in October 2025 when he defeated Sami Zayn to capture the United States Championship in his first match back from injury.
Future Remains Unclear
As of now, there is no word on whether Dragunov’s expired contract includes a non-compete clause that would prevent him from immediately signing elsewhere.
That uncertainty has already led to speculation regarding his next destination.
With AEW All In: London scheduled for August 30, some fans have wondered whether Dragunov could potentially appear for AEW. However, there is currently no indication that such a move is imminent, nor has AEW publicly expressed interest.
Final WWE Matches
Dragunov’s final WWE appearance came in the 2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the SmackDown episode preceding WrestleMania 42.
The match was ultimately won by Royce Keys.
His final singles match took place on March 30, where he was defeated by then-United States Champion Carmelo Hayes.
Accomplished WWE Career
Dragunov first joined NXT UK in February 2019 and made his televised debut later that year.
He quickly became one of the brand’s standout performers, earning widespread praise for his hard-hitting matches and intense rivalry with GUNTHER.
In 2022, Dragunov transitioned to NXT in Orlando, where he entered a memorable feud with Carmelo Hayes over the NXT Championship.
His performances eventually earned him a main roster call-up during the 2024 WWE Draft, leading to a successful run that included capturing the United States Championship.
While WWE has yet to officially comment on Dragunov’s departure, reports indicate that his contract has expired, bringing an end to his run with the company. The next chapter of his career remains one of the biggest questions in professional wrestling.
AEW may have another member of the Borden family officially in the fold.
According to a report from Fightful Select, there is a widespread belief within AEW that Steven Borden, the son of WWE Hall of Famer and former AEW star Sting, is currently signed with the company.
While AEW has not publicly announced a contract signing, Borden has reportedly been working regularly behind the scenes and competing in dark matches as he continues his development as a professional wrestler.
Steven Borden Continues Gaining Experience In AEW
Borden has quietly built experience throughout 2026 by competing in a number of dark matches before episodes of AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision.
His most recent appearance reportedly took place before the August 8 edition of Collision, where he defeated Ortiz.
Since making his AEW dark match debut in December at Dynamite: Winter Is Coming, Borden has continued to receive opportunities to develop in front of AEW audiences.
His first AEW dark match saw him score a victory over Kiran Grey.
Tony Khan Previously Praised Borden’s Development
AEW President Tony Khan has spoken publicly about Borden’s progress in the company.
Earlier this year, Khan revealed that AEW was actively working on developing Sting’s son as an in-ring performer.
Khan described Borden’s growth as a wrestler as a significant focus for the company.
“We’re working on developing him as a pro wrestler for AEW.”
According to Khan, helping Borden continue his training and progression has been a priority for both himself and the promotion.
Wrestling Career Began In 2025
Borden’s professional wrestling journey officially began in October 2025.
His debut match took place at an ACW event, where he teamed with JD Drake in a losing effort against AEW’s Darby Allin and Killer Kross.
One month later, Borden made his singles debut for DEFY Wrestling, defeating Kiran Grey.
Since then, he has continued building experience both on the independent scene and through AEW’s developmental opportunities.
Sting’s Sons First Appeared In AEW During Revolution 2024
Many fans were first introduced to Steven and his brother Garrett Borden during AEW Revolution 2024, the event that served as Sting’s retirement match.
During the match, both brothers appeared dressed as different eras of Sting’s iconic career, helping create one of the most memorable moments of the Hall of Famer’s farewell.
According to Fightful, Garrett remains on AEW’s radar as he also trains to become a professional wrestler. However, the report noted that it could not confirm whether he is currently under contract with the company.
While AEW has yet to officially comment on Steven Borden’s contractual status, all indications suggest that Sting’s son remains a key developmental project as he continues working toward a larger role within the promotion.
A member of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family is preparing to step away from the ring.
Lance Anoa’i announced on Instagram that he plans to retire from professional wrestling in March 2027, bringing an end to a career that will span nearly 17 years.
The former WWE and MLW performer shared a lengthy statement reflecting on his time in the business and explaining why he has decided that the next chapter of his life will focus on family.
Lance Anoa’i Announces Retirement Plans
In his post, Anoa’i expressed gratitude to the fans, promoters, and fellow wrestlers who have been part of his journey since his debut.
“After almost 17 years in professional wrestling, I will be officially calling time on my in-ring career in March 2027, once I reach that 17-year milestone.”
Anoa’i noted that wrestling has provided him with countless memories and experiences, but he has reached a point where he wants to dedicate more of his time to his wife and children.
“For so many years, wrestling has taken up my weekends, my time, and countless moments away from the people I love most. I’ve reached a point where I want to dedicate that time to my wife and my kids and be there for the moments that matter most.”
He also praised his family members who continue to carry on the Anoa’i legacy in professional wrestling.
“I love what they’re building, I love being part of it in any way I can, and I will always support them 100% in everything they do going forward.”
While retirement is on the horizon, Anoa’i emphasized that he is not finished just yet.
“This isn’t goodbye just yet though. We still have a few months to go!”
Career Spanning Nearly Two Decades
Anoa’i made his professional wrestling debut in April 2010 and spent much of his career competing on the independent wrestling scene.
One of his most notable runs came in Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he captured the MLW World Tag Team Championship during his time with the promotion.
He also made several appearances on WWE television throughout the mid-to-late 2010s as enhancement talent before eventually signing a WWE contract in 2024.
WWE Run Cut Short By Injuries
After joining WWE, Anoa’i was expected to begin the next phase of his career within the company’s developmental system. However, multiple injuries prevented him from making an official in-ring appearance for WWE.
He was ultimately released by the company in October 2025 without ever wrestling a televised match under contract.
Following his WWE departure, Anoa’i shifted some of his focus toward Power Slap while continuing his involvement in combat sports and entertainment.
Final Year Begins
With retirement now officially planned for March 2027, Anoa’i enters what will be the final months of his wrestling career.
As a member of one of wrestling’s most famous families, he leaves behind a career that included nearly two decades of competition and contributions to promotions across the wrestling landscape.
For now, fans still have several months remaining to see Lance Anoa’i compete before he officially calls time on his in-ring career.
WWE has seemingly revealed the identity of Shinsuke Nakamura’s mystery partner, and the reveal points to another major international signing joining the SmackDown roster.
After making his first WWE appearance since May during a pre-recorded backstage segment last week, Nakamura promised that he had found an ally to help him take the fight to Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga, collectively known as The MFT’s.
Nakamura Sends Warning To New WWE Tag Team Champions
Friday night’s edition of SmackDown saw Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga capture the WWE Tag Team Championship, defeating Damian Priest, R-Truth, and AAA Tag Team Champions The War Raiders in a triple threat match.
Following the show, WWE released a digital exclusive featuring Nakamura addressing the new champions.
“Congratulations MFT’s. You are now the champions. Are you savoring the feeling, knowing it will be gone soon? Was the victory as sweet, knowing what’s coming next? Me, my partner, your destruction.”
As the promo continued, WWE showed brief glimpses of Nakamura’s mystery partner while teasing his arrival on SmackDown.
“My partner is what you all pretend to be. Experienced, vicious, deadly. He is chaos. He is a ticking time bomb. Take cover.”
Hiromu Takahashi Appears WWE-Bound
The phrase “Ticking Time Bomb” immediately caught the attention of New Japan Pro-Wrestling fans, as it has long been associated with Hiromu Takahashi.
Takahashi, one of NJPW’s most accomplished junior heavyweight stars, departed the promotion earlier this year after a 15-year run.
In February, NJPW officially announced his departure following discussions with company management.
During his career, Takahashi became one of the most recognizable stars in Japanese wrestling and competed for several major promotions, including:
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
AEW
Ring of Honor
CMLL
Pro Wrestling NOAH
The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion has been heavily linked to WWE since becoming a free agent, and Nakamura’s latest promo strongly suggests that he will soon arrive on SmackDown.
WWE Continues Adding Free Agents
Reports earlier this year indicated that Takahashi was among several notable free agents believed to be WWE-bound.
Since then, a number of those names have already debuted, including:
Big Cass
Baron Corbin
Cruz Montana
Zilla Fatu
If the tease proves accurate, Takahashi would become the latest high-profile addition to WWE’s growing roster.
When Will Takahashi Debut?
As of now, WWE has not officially announced a debut date for Takahashi.
However, with Nakamura openly teasing his arrival and positioning him as a key ally against the newly crowned WWE Tag Team Champions, it appears only a matter of time before the former NJPW star makes his first appearance on Friday Night SmackDown.
Should Takahashi arrive as expected, WWE fans could soon see one of Japan’s most decorated wrestlers join forces with Nakamura in a battle against The MFT’s and the WWE Tag Team Champions.
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