Backstage Update on AEW Status of Ilja Dragunov Amid Recent WWE Exit

A new report has shed light on the potential landing point for Ilja Dragunov following his recent WWE departure.

According to Fightful Select, Sean Ross Sapp has learned that, as of today, the plan is for Ilja Dragunov to land in All Elite Wrestling. The report cited sources as claiming that this has been a plan for some time, though final details are yet to be “nailed down.”

The report further added that several recent WWE departures who don’t reside in the United States have faced significant visa hurdles, which have affected their free agent process, and Ilja is one of them.

According to Sapp, while Ilja has yet to sign a contract with the Tony Khan-led company, the former WWE United States Champion joining All Elite Wrestling is a foregone conclusion barring unforeseeable circumstances. Should he join AEW, the Mad Dragon is likely to continue using his name, Ilja, though it’s currently not clear if he’ll continue to use Dragunov as his in-ring name, something he did prior to joining WWE.

As noted, Ilja Dragunov departed WWE last month after his contract with the promotion expired. According to media reports, Ilja and WWE had been in discussions over a contract extension over the past few months before communication broke down and Dragunov decided to let his deal expire. He had been absent from WWE TV for several months leading up to his exit, with his last appearance coming on the SmackDown before WrestleMania 42.