Ilja Dragunov Reportedly Exits WWE

A new report states that Ilja Dragunov has ended his time with WWE, departing the company this week. PWInsider reports that the WWE Smackdown star was removed from the company’s internal roster earlier this week. Fightful Select has also confirmed the news.

The report notes that according to sources, Dragunov’s contract expired. It does not state whether Dragunov chose not to renew or whether the decision was made on the company’s side. He has not wrestled since WrestleMania 42 weekend, when he competed in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Dragunov had been with WWE since 2019 and is a former WWE United States Champion, a former NXT Champion, and a former NXT UK Champion. He made the move from NXT to the main roster in April 2024 after WrestleMania 40, defeating Shinsuke Nakamura. He suffered an ACL injury in September 2024 that kept him out until last October, when he returned and won the WWE United States Championship. Dragunov held open challenges for the title until he lost it to his old NXT rival Carmelo Hayes in December.

Ilja Dragunov has yet to comment on his exit, nor has WWE.