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League: WWESport: WrestlingCountry: United StatesCategory: General

WWE planned to bring back Ilja Dragunov after SummerSlam

Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 10:08 PM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

WWE planned to bring back Ilja Dragunov after SummerSlam
Summary

WWE had intentions to return Ilja Dragunov to television after the 2026 SummerSlam event. The 2026 SummerSlam saw key matches, including a bout between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes. Dragunov last appeared at WWE SmackDown on April 17, 2026. Despite plans for his return being discussed as recently as June, those plans did not materialize, leading to his departure. His last title reign was as United States Champion, which he held until late 2025.

Source Links
Wrestling Inc
Status Watch
  • •Ilja Dragunov's WWE contract expired prior to SummerSlam.
  • •He last competed in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal in April.
  • •Discussions for his return were ongoing in June.
  • •Dragunov held the United States Championship from October to December 2025.
  • •SummerSlam featured key title matches, impacting his potential storyline.
Latest Updates
  • 11:47 PMWrestling Inc — Backstage News On Potential Destinations For Ilja Dragunov Following WWE Exit
  • 10:08 PMWrestling Inc — Report: WWE Was Planning To Bring Departing Ilja Dragunov Back To TV After SummerSlam
What they're saying
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A new report revealed potential destinations for Ilja Dragunov in the wrestling world following his exit from WWE this week.

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A new report indicates that WWE originally planned to return Ilja Dragunov to television after the 2026 SummerSlam event.

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