Ilja Dragunov expected to join AEW following WWE exit
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 5:16 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
Ilja Dragunov is anticipated to transition to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) after parting ways with WWE nearly a month ago. Reports suggest that while he has not yet signed a contract, Dragunov is likely to join AEW soon if he can resolve ongoing visa issues stemming from his departure from WWE. Although it's unclear when he will debut, he may face hurdles that prevent an immediate appearance, including the potential need to negotiate the use of his ring name after WWE filed to trademark it. Discussions arise about Dragunov's integration into AEW's talent roster, particularly his fit in Will Ospreay's United Empire stable.
- •Dragunov left WWE nearly a month ago.
- •He may encounter visa challenges before joining AEW.
- •His debut date in AEW remains uncertain.
- •AEW filed for trademark on Dragunov's name in 2020.
- •Speculation includes joining Will Ospreay's stable.
- 5:16 PMWrestling Inc — Major Update On Ilja Dragunov's Next Move Following WWE Exit
"A major update on Ilja Dragunov's next move following his WWE exit reveals that the former US Champion is expected to wind up in AEW sooner than later
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WWE•Sep 14, 2026, 7:00 PMSteven & Garrett Borden (Sons Of Sting) To Tag Together At Dustin Rhodes' Indie Show
WWE•Sep 14, 2026, 6:14 PMEric Bischoff Believes He Knows Why Bill Dundee Never Wrestled In WWE
WWE•Sep 14, 2026, 5:34 PMMLW facing renewed criticism for being home of problematic wrestlers
WWE•Sep 14, 2026, 5:30 PMWWE's Roxanne Perez Promises To Take Over AAA After TripleMania Win
WWE•Sep 14, 2026, 4:17 PMWWE gave new Perros del Mal a key piece of the group’s past at Triplemania
WWE•Sep 14, 2026, 4:05 PMBackstage Details On WWE Hiring AAA Star Back After Incident Involving Fan