Ilja Dragunov remains absent from WWE programming amid analytics focus

Ilja Dragunov has not appeared on WWE programming for several months, primarily due to the company's analytical approach to talent management. Reportedly, his name has not been mentioned backstage recently, with data suggesting fans are not engaging with his content. Despite being healthy and training regularly, he has only had limited TV appearances in 2026. Dragunov's lack of merchandise options on WWE Shop is also a contributing factor to his absence. His last match occurred on SmackDown before WrestleMania 42, where he participated in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

• 8:31 AMYahoo Sports — Real Reason Ilja Dragunov Doesn't Wrestle For WWE Anymore (WWE News)