Update on Ilja Dragunov’s future following WWE exit – REPORT

”
], { type: “text/html” }
);
const iframe = document.createElement(“iframe”);
iframe.src = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
iframe.style.cssText = “width:100%;height:100%;border:0;”;
container.appendChild(iframe);
attachIframeMessageListener(iframe);
}
const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, obs) => {
const entry = entries[0];
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
obs.unobserve(entry.target);
requestIdleCallback(() => {
initWidget(entry.target);
}, {
timeout: 200
});
}
}, {
root: null,
rootMargin: “300px 0px”,
threshold: 0.01
});
requestIdleCallback(() => {
$all(“.nl-inline-form-container”).forEach((c) => {
observer.observe(c);
});
});
})();

However, the report added that sources within the industry had a hunch that he would wind up in AEW, but it was not confirmed. Dragunov used to compete for wXw in Germany, and a source told Fightful that they would be surprised if The Mad Dragon returned to the independent wrestling scene.

Dragunov was not featured on WWE television for months before his surprise exit from the company. His last match with the promotion was the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, won by Royce Keys earlier this year. The veteran won the NXT Championship and then the United States Championship once during his time on the main roster.

Former WWE champion credits Ilja Dragunov for helping his career

SmackDown star Trick Williams credited Ilja Dragunov for bringing out the best in him. Williams lost the United States Championship to Baron Corbin at WWE SummerSlam 2026.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Williams stated that he had a great experience whenever he worked with Dragunov. The popular star suggested that Dragunov helped take his character to the next level.

“I gotta say Ilja Dragunov man. I just happened to go back and watch those matches. Vengeance Day, the same day Melo turned on me and everything like that. And man, every single match I’ve had with Ilja Dragunov is just phenomenal. He pulled out a side of Trick Williams that I didn’t even know existed. You literally just in the ring and you going to fight. He demands that, and that’s what I needed to take my career to the next level,” Williams said.

Only time will tell what is next for Dragunov following his WWE exit.