Conglomeration vs The Cut, Ciampa & Dragunov bouts added to AEW Fright Night Collision
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 · 9 reports
- 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 interrupts Ciampa on AEW DynamiteIlja Dragunov came out to confront Tommaso Ciampa after Ciampa called himself the greatest damn signing in AEW history.
- 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: POST Wrestling · Wrestling Observer · Fightful · Cageside Seats · Wrestling Inc · Official: AEW
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