Ilja Dragunov is officially done with WWE. According to a new report from PWInsider, Dragunov’s contract expired and he has chosen to leave the company. No additional details were provided, but the move ends a seven‑year run that saw Dragunov hold multiple championships across NXT and the main roster.
False Finish later added more context, noting that WWE hoped to keep him. “We’re told WWE would have liked Dragunov to stay with the company but Dragunov opted to let his contract expire.” His profile on WWE.com has already been shifted to the Alumni section, confirming the departure.
Dragunov’s Final Months in WWE
Dragunov has not wrestled since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 17, 2026 episode of SmackDown. Before that, he challenged Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship on March 20, coming up short in what turned out to be his last major singles match.
His absence from television had fueled speculation about his future, and today’s update makes it clear that his time with WWE has come to an end.
A Career Built on Intensity
Born in Moscow, the 32‑year‑old signed with WWE in early 2019 as part of NXT UK. He quickly became one of the brand’s most intense performers, eventually winning the NXT United Kingdom Championship in a reign remembered for its physicality and emotional storytelling.
Dragunov later transitioned to NXT, where he captured the NXT Championship before moving to the main roster. He debuted on RAW the night after WrestleMania 2024, defeating Shinsuke Nakamura in a standout match that introduced him to a wider audience.
During his WWE tenure, Dragunov held the United States Championship, the NXT Championship, and the NXT United Kingdom Championship — a rare triple accomplishment that showcased his versatility across brands.
What Comes Next
There is no word yet on Dragunov’s next move. With his contract expired and no non‑compete mentioned, he could surface anywhere at any time. Given his reputation for high‑intensity matches and emotional storytelling, his next chapter will be closely watched.
For now, WWE has closed the book — but Dragunov’s story in wrestling is far from finished.
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