Ilja Dragunov has signed with AEW according to the latest Wrestling Observer by Dave Meltzer.

The 33-year-old, who was born in Russia, departed WWE last month after his contract expired and opted not to renew it. That gives him the ability to appear any time since there are no notice periods he has to go through.

The signing was largely expected as the former NXT champion fits the AEW mold so to speak. His departure from WWE was met with some surprise considering he was a very hard working individual who always had tremendous matches.

Dragunov is expected to start with AEW imminently.