Report: Ilja Dragunov on his way to AEW

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful is reporting through his Select service that Ilja Dragunov is on the way to join AEW.

The former NXT champion recently departed WWE after his contract expired and opted not to sign a new one. Dragunov could appear at any time as there is no notice period he has to go through as he fulfilled his contractual obligations.

Sapp adds that there are some “final details” that needs to be ironed out before the 32-year-old becomes All Elite.

The Moscow-born star also has to work out his U.S. visa as Sapp notes that he is one of those individuals whose visa was about to expire. Dragunov also holds a German citizenship.

Dragunov worked with WWE from 2019 through 2026, winning the NXT, NXT UK, and WWE United States title along the way.