Ilja Dragunov signs with AEW; Kairi Sane's status remains uncertain
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 16, 2026, 6:40 PM
Last updated Oct 16, 2026
Ilja Dragunov has officially signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) after resolving his visa issues, as confirmed by Fightful Select. A vignette aired recently on "AEW Collision" featuring him, although it remains unclear if he will debut at the WrestleDream event on October 17. Kairi Sane, another former WWE star, is in talks with AEW but no agreement has been finalized. Sane previously held the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship and has a history with the current AEW Women's Champion, Mercedes Mone. WrestleDream will take place at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida.
- •Ilja Dragunov signs with AEW after visa issues are resolved.
- •A vignette featuring Dragunov aired on "AEW Collision."
- •Kairi Sane is in talks with AEW, but no deal is finalized.
- •WrestleDream takes place on October 17 in Orlando, Florida.
- •Mercedes Mone defends her AEW Women's Title at WrestleDream.
- 6:40 PMWrestling Inc — Backstage Update On AEW Status Of Ilja Dragunov & Kairi Sane Ahead Of WrestleDream
"A new report clarifies the statuses of former WWE stars Ilja Dragunov and Kairi Sane ahead of this weekend's AEW WrestleDream event.
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