Former WWE NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov is reportedly preparing to make his AEW debut.
According to a report from Fightful Select, internal plans have been in motion for some time to bring the 32-year-old intensity merchant into AEW, with only minor details remaining before the deal is officially finalized.
Visa Delays Hold Up Official Signing Process
While Dragunov is expected to land with AEW barring any sudden complications, he has not yet officially put pen to paper.
The delay in securing his signature stems primarily from international immigration logistics:
- Contract Status: Dragunov officially departed WWE last month following the expiration of his contract, electing not to re-sign. He has been legally free to negotiate with other promotions for several weeks.
- Immigration Hurdles: Like several recent international talents leaving WWE, Dragunov faced visa complications upon the expiration of his previous working arrangement, slowing his transition onto television.
- Name Rights: Dragunov will be able to utilize his birth name Ilja on AEW programming. While it remains unconfirmed if he will retain the Dragunov surname, he actively wrestled under the full moniker on the independent scene prior to joining WWE in 2019.
Dragunov last competed on WWE television in April during a multi-man battle royal on RAW, capping off a quiet 2026 campaign before spending the summer training for his post-WWE run.
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