Ilja Dragunov Credits Kofi and Austin Creed for AEW Move
“I mean, it would be a lie if it wouldn't, right? You see people perform in a way that they didn't perform in a while anymore.— Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov has expressed a strong desire to wrestle in Japan. He believes his in-ring style would connect well with Japanese audiences and their wrestling culture.
In a recent interview, Dragunov explained that his career goals focus more on locations than specific opponents. He highlighted Japan as a place he needs to experience in his wrestling journey.
Dragunov noted that early in his career with wXw, the promotion had a working relationship with Big Japan Pro Wrestling. However, that period had passed by the time he joined, leaving him without the opportunity to compete in Japan.
Although Dragunov participated in three wXw shows co-promoted with Big Japan Pro Wrestling and Combat Zone Wrestling in 2013, all of those events were held in Germany.
During his time in wXw, Dragunov achieved success as a one-time Unified World Wrestling Champion, a three-time World Tag Team Champion, and a two-time Shotgun Champion.
Dragunov made his debut as a new signing for AEW at WrestleDream 2026 in Orlando, where he was introduced to the audience.
Story timeline · 9 reports
- On the Record: Ilja Dragunov says AEW "is working for fans of professional wrestling"The latest: while speaking with Jon Alba of SI.com, Ilja Dragunov was asked what he anticipates exploring with his new opportunity in AEW.
- Ilja Dragunov Praises AEW For Serving Wrestling FansIlja Dragunov opened his AEW run with a victory over Mike Bailey on the October 21 episode of Dynamite.
- On the Record: Ilja Dragunov Says He Needs To Wrestle In Japan: 'That’s The Place Where I Think My Style Belongs'Per NY Fights: there’s a slight chance that we’ll see Ilja Dragunov wrestle in Japan in the future.
- Ilja Dragunov Praises Bandido's In-Ring SkillsAhead of his AEW Dynamite debut against Mike Bailey on October 21, Ilja Dragunov spoke highly of Bandido.
- Ilja Dragunov says he needs to wrestle in JapanNew AEW signing Ilja Dragunov told TMZ that wrestling in Japan is something he still needs to do in his career.
- Ilja Dragunov Set For AEW In-Ring DebutIlja Dragunov is scheduled to make his in-ring AEW debut on this Wednesday's Dynamite from Coral Gables, Florida.
- By the Numbers: Ilja Dragonuv Making In-ring AEW Debut This Wednesday, How To Get Free Tickets For Next ROH Taping And MoreThe audience can register for free tickets at this link .
- By the Numbers: Ilja Dragonuv Making In-ring AEW Debut This Wednesday, How To Get Free Tickets For Next ROH Taping And MoreThe audience can register for free tickets at this link .
Source: Wrestling Inc
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