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.
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