Ilja Dragunov expected to return to WWE television soon
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 9:24 PM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026
Ilja Dragunov has been absent from WWE since April, last competing on April 17 during WWE SmackDown. Reports indicate he is expected to appear on WWE television sooner than later. Though reasons for his absence remain unclear, Dragunov has continued in-ring training alongside Natalya and TJ Wilson at their Dungeon 2.0 facility. Dragunov previously held the WWE United States Championship, which he lost to Carmelo Hayes in late December, and most recently participated in the 2026 Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
- •Dragunov has not competed since April 17, 2026.
- •He is training at Dungeon 2.0 in Florida.
- •He previously held the WWE United States Championship.
- •Carmelo Hayes is the current United States Champion.
- •Dragunov last participated in the 2026 Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
- 9:24 PMWrestling Inc — Backstage Update On Ilja Dragunov's WWE Status
"A new report provides an update on the status of Ilja Dragunov, who has remained absent from WWE competition since April.
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