While major talent departures between WWE and AEW often ignite online speculation and talk of burning bridges, the reality backstage tells a completely different story.
Following Ilja Dragunov’s surprise debut at AEW WrestleDream after his WWE contract expired, new details have emerged regarding how WWE management and talent genuinely reacted to his move.
“No Animosity”: WWE Locker Room Happy For Dragunov
During a recent WrestleVotes Q&A, JoeyVotes and TC addressed the internal sentiment surrounding Dragunov’s transition to All Elite Wrestling. According to the report, peers who worked closely with Dragunov are thrilled to see him secure a major new home.
Everyone in WWE that are friends with him are happy.
Furthermore, WrestleVotes noted that the modern wrestling locker room lacks the automatic resentment toward talent seeking better opportunities elsewhere that may have existed in previous eras. The prevailing sentiment among the roster is straightforward: encouraging peers to maximize their earning potential.
There is no animosity when it comes to talent leaving and going to get their bag.
The report drew comparisons to recent contract discussions surrounding veteran star Sheamus, noting that even peers encouraged him to look at AEW if WWE’s internal offers undervalued his worth. When it comes specifically to Dragunov, that goodwill extends all the way to the top of the corporate ladder, with both friends and management wishing him success.
From that side of things, they wish him well. From the management side of things, they wish him well.
Triple H Wanted To Keep Dragunov
Despite the lack of bitterness or backstage grudges, Dragunov’s exit was not part of WWE’s preferred plan. WrestleVotes indicated that losing a talent of Dragunov’s caliber was not something Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque wanted to happen.
Rather than management cutting ties voluntarily, WWE would have preferred to retain the former NXT Champion. However, once Dragunov’s contract expired in August and visa issues delayed his eventual landing, the two sides parted ways amicably. Tony Khan swiftly locked down the high-profile acquisition, officially welcoming Dragunov to the AEW roster at WrestleDream.
For ongoing backstage updates, contract news, and breaking industry coverage, check out WrestlingAttitude.com.
WA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wrestlingattitude/
WA on Facebook (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingDivas/
WA on X/Twitter - https://x.com/wa_wrestling
WA on Instagram (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.instagram.com/wa_wrestlingattitude/
WA on Google News - https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJf3owsw2oG8Aw
WA on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlingattitude.bsky.social
