League: WWE Sport: Wrestling Country: United States Category: General

Lil Yachty denies claims WWE cut wrestlers for celebrity appearances

Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 1:00 PM

Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Lil Yachty denies claims WWE cut wrestlers for celebrity appearances

Summary

Rapper Lil Yachty addressed rumors suggesting that WWE has released wrestlers like Ilja Dragunov to make space for celebrities. During an appearance on 'Insight,' Yachty stated that he is not being paid enough to necessitate cuts to the roster. He commended Dragunov's talent and clarified that the release of wrestlers is unrelated to his presence on WWE programming. Yachty's comments come amidst WWE's trend of integrating celebrities into their shows while simultaneously parting ways with several wrestlers. He insists that fan assumptions tying his role to the departures are unfounded.

Source Links

Wrestling Inc

Key Details

•Lil Yachty dismissed rumors about Ilja Dragunov's release being linked to his WWE role.
•He praised Dragunov's skill and expressed admiration for his matches.
•Yachty emphasized that he is not receiving a significant salary from WWE.
•The comments were made during his appearance on 'Insight'.
•WWE has recently brought in several celebrities while releasing wrestlers.

Latest Updates

1:00 PMWrestling Inc — Lil Yachty Comments On Whether Ilja Dragunov & Others Were Cut So WWE Could Pay Him

What they're saying

"
Rapper Lil Yachty has dismissed suggestions that the likes of Ilja Dragunov were allowed to leave WWE to accommodate celebrities like him.
— Wrestling Incby staff@wrestlinginc.com (Nishant Jayaram)

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