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 · 3 reports
- 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 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.
Source: Wrestling Inc
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