Ilja Dragunov Calls AEW Debut a Fairytale

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.