Tag: Ilja Dragunov

Report: Ilja Dragunov Has Signed With AEW, Debut Expected Very Soon

Ilja Dragunov’s next chapter may be closer than many fans expected.

After weeks of speculation following his WWE departure, a new report from Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter claims that Dragunov has already signed with AEW and could be making his debut in the near future.

The report follows a recent update from Fightful Select, which stated that the former WWE United States Champion was expected to join AEW barring any unforeseen circumstances. Meltzer’s latest report goes a step further, indicating that an agreement has already been reached.

According to Meltzer, Dragunov should be starting with the company “very soon.”

Many fans had anticipated seeing the “Mad Dragon” appear at AEW All In: London 2026, particularly as the event featured the high-profile debuts of Austin Creed and Kofi as part of The New Level. However, Meltzer noted that contract negotiations and finalizing agreements can often take longer than expected, which may explain why Dragunov did not appear at Wembley Stadium.

With All In now in the rearview mirror, attention turns to where Dragunov could make his first appearance for the promotion.

One possibility is AEW All Out 2026, which takes place next weekend and has already sold out. AEW will also head to France for AEW Grand Slam France in October, a market familiar to Dragunov from his years competing across the European independent wrestling scene.

Beyond his eventual debut, the report also touched on how Dragunov could fit into an already crowded AEW roster. Meltzer noted that while Dragunov is widely regarded as one of the top in-ring performers in wrestling, AEW continues to add talent, creating increased competition for television time.

For now, AEW has not officially announced the signing. However, if the report is accurate, fans may not have to wait much longer to see Dragunov make his debut for the company.

Report: Ilja Dragunov Expected To Join AEW Following WWE Exit

Nearly a month after leaving WWE, Ilja Dragunov’s next destination may finally be coming into focus.

According to Fightful Select, Dragunov is expected to join AEW in the near future, barring any unforeseen complications. While it remains unclear whether he has officially signed with the promotion, sources reportedly expect him to land there once outstanding issues are resolved.

That move may not happen immediately.

The report states that Dragunov is among several recently departed WWE talents from outside the United States who are currently dealing with visa-related hurdles following their exits from the company. Those issues have reportedly delayed potential appearances elsewhere, and there is no word on when they may be resolved.

Dragunov’s decision not to renew his WWE contract surprised many throughout the wrestling industry, leading to widespread speculation about where the former United States Champion would end up next.

Another question surrounding his future involves his ring name.

Because Ilja is his real first name, he would have no issue continuing to use it. The status of the “Dragunov” surname, however, is less certain. WWE filed a trademark application for “Ilja Dragunov” in 2020 during his NXT UK run, but publicly available records reportedly show no updates after October 2020, when the filing was listed as live and pending.

As a result, it remains unclear whether WWE ultimately secured rights to the name or if Dragunov will be able to continue using the identity he has competed under since 2012.

For now, the expectation is that Dragunov’s next chapter will begin once his visa situation is sorted out, though an official announcement has yet to be made.

Report: Ilja Dragunov Departing WWE As Contract Expires

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.

Ilja Dragunov Returns and Stuns Sami Zayn to Capture the U.S. Title on WWE SmackDown

After more than a year away from the ring, Ilja Dragunov stormed back into WWE in a big way—by taking the United States Championship from Sami Zayn on SmackDown.

Dragunov, who hadn’t competed since last September, became the seventh challenger to answer Zayn’s weekly open challenge. The “Mad Dragon” made the most of his shot, going toe-to-toe with the resilient champion in a hard-hitting clash that lived up to both men’s reputations.

The bout was physical from the opening bell, packed with punishing strikes and near-falls. Zayn looked to have things under control late in the match, lining up for his trademark Helluva Kick—but Solo Sikoa chose that moment to make his presence felt. The Bloodline powerhouse appeared at ringside, briefly distracting Zayn and giving Dragunov just enough time to recover.

Sensing an opening, Dragunov exploded with the Torpedo Moscow, flooring Zayn before sealing the deal with a thunderous H-Bomb elbow drop. The three-count ended Zayn’s 50-day reign and crowned Dragunov as the new United States Champion—his first title since joining the main roster. The victory adds to Dragunov’s already impressive résumé, which includes reigns as both NXT and NXT UK Champion.

However, Dragunov’s celebration was short-lived. Moments after the match, Sikoa and his MFT allies launched a brutal attack on both Dragunov and Zayn. Standing tall over the fallen Superstars, Sikoa declared that he would “bring gold back to his family.” But before The Bloodline could further their assault, the Wyatt Sicks emerged, creating a tense standoff that closed the show.

With Dragunov now holding the red, white, and blue gold, and Sikoa vowing vengeance, the United States Title picture just became one of the most volatile storylines on SmackDown.

WWE Says Ilja Dragunov Suffered Torn ACL At House Show, Will Miss Six To Nine Months

WWE dropped some unfortunate news regarding a former NXT Champion on Monday’s episode of “WWE Raw” before a promo segment featuring World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER. Commentary informed the audience at home that Ilja Dragunov suffered a suspected torn ACL and will be out of action for around six to nine months. Dragunov was injured wrestling GUNTHER for a shot at the championship during a live event in Columbus, Georgia over the weekend. In a video WWE posted to social media as well as airing on the broadcast, Dragunov was seen leaving the ring on his own volition following the injury, though he hobbled up the ramp without putting weight on his right leg.

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1840938600906608994

Dragunov’s most recent television match was a loss to Jey Uso in a fatal four-way match also featuring Braun Strowman and Pete Dunne for a shot at the WWE Intercontinental Championship on the September 9 episode of “Raw.” Before the IC Title tournament, Dragunov had been working with GUNTHER on house shows in Germany before Bash in Berlin. Dragunov was called up from “WWE NXT” to the main roster’s red brand at the end of April in the fourth round of the 2024 WWE Draft, following his NXT Championship loss to Trick Williams at “NXT” Spring Breakin’.

Source: Wrestling Inc.