Ilja Dragunov Explains Decision To Join AEW Following Departure From WWE - Wrestling Inc.
Dragunov said WWE tried to re-sign him, but he left after contract talks stalled and a 50% pay cut was reportedly asked of some talent.
- Last Saturday, "The Mad Dragon" Ilja Dragunov debuted for AEW at the AEW WrestleDream PPV, marking a fresh start after seven years in WWE.
- Dragunov let his WWE contract expire in August after negotiations failed to produce a deal he felt satisfied with. WWE management did not force his exit, despite the company's interest in retaining the former NXT Champion.
- Speaking at the post-WrestleDream media scrum, Dragunov explained, "I feel like I'm getting stuck somewhere," citing a need for creative growth. Former colleagues and WWE management reportedly harbor no animosity, wishing him well.
- The "Unbesiegbar" is set to make his in-ring debut this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite. AEW had prepared his arrival video in advance, holding the footage until confirming he could appear at WrestleDream.
- Describing AEW as "a landscape of limitless opportunities," Dragunov anticipates facing top-tier competition. He is positioned for high-profile matches against stars like Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada.
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Ilja Dragunov Opens Up About Decision To Leave WWE - Fightful
Ilja Dragunov made his AEW debut at AEW WrestleDream, where he was announced as the company's newest signing. Dragunov departed WWE in August after not wrestling since April. His contract expired, and he made the decision not to renew. Speaking to Ariel Helwani on the Ariel Helwani Show, Dragunov detailed his decision to leave WWE.…
WWE Lost Ilja Dragunov To AEW After Failed Contract Standoff
Ilja Dragunov’s AEW debut looked straightforward on the surface, but new details suggest that major backstage complications marked his final weeks with WWE. During the latest edition of “Wrestling Observer Radio,” Dave Meltzer reported that WWE did not fire Dragunov or force him out. Instead, Dragunov chose to let his contract expire despite WWE’s interest in keeping him. Meltzer compared the situation to Ricochet’s departure, saying that both w…
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