AEW Fright Night Collision Preview for October 31
Ilja Dragunov's WWE contract expired in August and he chose not to renew it, officially departing the company at that time. He had last appeared on WWE television in April during the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Dragunov then signed with AEW and made his debut for the promotion at WrestleDream.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Dragunov revealed that he began considering leaving WWE around April or possibly a month earlier. He explained that after tearing his ACL he won a championship upon his return, an achievement he continues to value highly.
Despite those thoughts, he maintained that his work ethic remained unchanged because he loves the business and makes every moment count. He added that everyone experiences such feelings and wants to fully commit, yet he accepts it as part of the industry and would not alter that experience. On Wednesday's episode of Dynamite, Dragunov made his AEW in-ring debut and defeated Mike Bailey.
Despite those thoughts, he maintained that his work ethic remained unchanged because he loves the business and makes every moment count. He added that everyone experiences such feelings and wants to fully commit, yet he accepts it as part of the industry and would not alter that experience.
Story timeline · 19 reports
- Match Made: October 31, 2026 — AEW Fright Night Collision PreviewThe latest: grab all your candy and join us for AEW Fright Night Collision at 8 p.m.
- Results Recap: AEW Fright Night Collision Spoilers and for Oct. 31 (Taped on Oct. 28)The latest: 0 AEW has recorded a special Halloween edition of Collision, featuring the return of a previously absent faction and a number of notable matches…
- AEW Fright Night Collision Spoilers From St. LouisAEW taped its Fright Night edition of Collision on Wednesday at the Chaifetz Arena in St.
- AEW Collision Spoilers From St. LouisPer PWInsider (via Google): Per PWInsider (via Google): If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features…
- AEW Collision Spoilers From St. LouisThe Hurt Syndicate defeated Griff Garrison, Nick Comoroto and Aaron Solo in a trios match.
- AEW Collision Fright Night spoilers from St. LouisAEW taped Collision in St.
- AEW Fright Night Collision Spoilers from St. LouisAEW taped Collision in St.
- AEW Fright Night Collision Card FinalizedThe taped Fright Night edition of AEW Collision from St.
- Ilja Dragunov, Hurt Syndicate join Fright Night Collision cardAEW has finalized the lineup for Saturday's Fright Night Collision in St.
- Ilja Dragunov, The Cut & More Set for AEW Fright Night CollisionPer AOL.com: 0 AEW has revealed four matches for this Saturday’s Halloween edition of Fright Night Collision.
- Conglomeration vs The Cut, Ciampa & Dragunov bouts added to AEW Fright Night CollisionAEW has added four matches to this Saturday's taped Fright Night edition of Collision that airs on Halloween.
- Ilja Dragunov Faces Beast Mortos on AEW CollisionAEW has confirmed the first matches for Saturday's Fright Night Collision in St.
- AEW Fright Night Collision Matches AnnouncedAEW has set multiple bouts for its upcoming Fright Night edition of Collision.
- Ilja Dragunov Calls AEW Debut a FairytaleAEW's newest signee Ilja Dragunov discussed his reaction to appearing at WrestleDream months after departing WWE.
- Ilja DragunovNew details are emerging on this story from Official: AEW: Ilja Dragunov.
- Ilja Dragunov Reveals When He Considered Leaving WWEIlja Dragunov's WWE contract expired in August and he chose not to renew it before joining AEW, where he made his debut at WrestleDream.
- On the Record: Ilja Dragunov Opens Up On Major Career Goal After Leaving WWE for AEWPer AOL.com: 0 Former WWE Superstar Ilja Dragunov reveals something he needs to do after signing with AEW.
- Former WWE Star Opens Up On The Next Step In Her Career After Leaving The CompanyNew details are emerging on this story from NDTV Sports: Former WWE Star Reveals The Next Step In Her Career After Leaving The Company.
Sources: AEW · Official: AEW · AOL.com · Sports Illustrated · PWInsider · Cageside Seats
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