Ilja Dragunov Wrestling Career Future Update – Dragunov Reportedly Expected To Sign With AEW

As noted before, Ilja Dragunov departed from WWE this past August following the expiration of his contract. Dragunov is believed to be joining AEW for the next destination for his wrestling career.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Dragunov will be joining AEW baring any unforseen circumstances.

It was reported that it is currently not known if Dragunov has officially signed a contract yet but it has been in the works with only final details needing to be settled.

It was also reported that Dragunov and some other recent WWE departures from outside the United States have been facing visa expirations or hurdles that have impacted the timeline for their next career move.

In regards to Dragunov’s post-WWE ring name, it was reported that Dragunov will be able to continue to use “Ilja” due to that being his real first name but they are unsure if he would be allowed to use the “Dragunov” part. Dragunov has been using the full ring name throughout his career prior to his signing with WWE.

In an interesting note, AEW’s MyAEW service recently posted a match from 2018 featuring Dragunov facing off against WALTER, also known as Gunther in WWE, from wXw’s Superstars of Wrestling 2018 show.

Fresh flashback from @wXwGermany: Ilja Dragunov vs. Walter

See these two stars collide from the Superstars of Wrestling 2018 show.

Match streaming on #MyAEW ad-free and available worldwide!https://t.co/zF60ToQCGd pic.twitter.com/1q34R1cpPE

— myaew (@myaewofficial) September 14, 2026