Ilja Dragunov Explains Interest In Kyle Fletcher Rematch
“Because he’s simply just an entirely progressed version of the last time that I’ve seen him.— Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov made his debut in All Elite Wrestling at the WrestleDream pay-per-view event. Renee Paquette introduced him to the live audience, which reacted positively to the former WWE performer.
Dragunov did not compete at WrestleDream. He is scheduled to have his first match in the promotion on the upcoming episode of Dynamite.
In a recent interview, Dragunov addressed his contract negotiations with WWE. He chose not to criticize the company and instead provided measured comments about the discussions and his decision not to renew his deal.
WWE reduces its roster following WrestleMania each year. This year the company requested that multiple talents accept a 50 percent pay reduction to remain under contract.
Several performers who declined the pay cut were released from WWE. Among them, the group formerly known as New Day in WWE rejected the offer and were subsequently let go.
That group debuted in AEW at the All In event held in Wembley Stadium. They captured the AEW World Trios Championships on the same day in partnership with Swerve Strickland.
Story timeline · 41 reports
- Ilja Dragunov makes AEW debut against Mike Bailey on DynamiteAEW Dynamite airs live from the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida on October 21 as the first show in the four-week build toward Full Gear on November 14.
- Ilja Dragunov makes AEW debut on DynamiteAEW Dynamite airs live from the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida on October 21 as the first show in the build to Full Gear on November 14.
- Ilja Dragunov explains AEW signing over WWEIlja Dragunov left WWE after spending most of his 20s with the company and signed with AEW because he viewed it as a better creative fit.
- Ilja Dragunov Explains WWE ExitIlja Dragunov's WWE contract expired in August.
- Ilja Dragunov explains exit from WWE for AEWNew AEW signee Ilja Dragunov cited an accumulation of factors for leaving WWE after spending most of his 20s there.
- Ilja Dragunov explains decision to leave WWE for AEWIlja Dragunov appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show and said he did not know he would be departing WWE during his final match in April.
- Ilja Dragunov details WWE exit and AEW arrivalFresh off his debut at AEW WrestleDream, Ilja Dragunov appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show to discuss his move from WWE.
- Ilja Dragunov explains WWE exit and AEW arrivalIlja Dragunov discussed his decision to depart WWE after his contract expired, citing a lack of creative direction for his character following the loss of the…
- Ilja Dragunov details reasons for WWE exitIlja Dragunov said his decision to leave WWE came from multiple factors including the financial offer, his desire for a creative change of scenery after…
- Ilja Dragunov Explains WWE ExitIlja Dragunov made his AEW debut at WrestleDream and was announced as the promotion's newest signing after his WWE contract expired in August.
- Ilja Dragunov Explains AEW Signing After WWE ExitIlja Dragunov cited AEW's landscape of limitless opportunities and its slogan 'Where the best wrestle' as reasons for joining the promotion.
- Ilja Dragunov to make AEW in-ring debut on Dynamite - Wrestling-Online.comHis opponent has not been named yet but the former NXT champion is very eager to resume his in-ring activities.
- Ilja Dragunov Set For AEW In-Ring Debut On DynamiteIlja Dragunov will have his first AEW match this Wednesday night on Dynamite in Coral Gables, Florida.
- Making His AEW In-ring Debut On Dynamite Is....New details are emerging on this story from PWInsider (via Google): Making His AEW In-ring Debut On Dynamite Is.
- Ilja Dragunov Set For AEW In-Ring DebutIlja Dragunov will make his official in-ring debut this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite.
- Ilja Dragunov Set For AEW Dynamite DebutTony Khan announced that Ilja Dragunov will have his first AEW match on the October 21 episode of Dynamite.
- Ilja Dragunov Explains AEW SigningIlja Dragunov made his first AEW appearance at WrestleDream when Renee Paquette introduced him to the Orlando crowd.
- On the Record: Ilja Dragunov explains why he left WWE for AEWPer NoDQ.com: Per NoDQ.com: Ilja Dragunov made his official debut with the company.
- Ilja Dragunov Set For AEW In-Ring DebutTony Khan announced during the WrestleDream media scrum that Ilja Dragunov will make his in-ring debut on the upcoming episode of Dynamite.
- Ilja Dragunov Reveals Reason for AEW JumpIlja Dragunov discussed his move to All Elite Wrestling after the WrestleDream 2026 post-show.
- Ilja Dragunov Signs With AEW After WrestleDream DebutIlja Dragunov made his AEW debut at the 2026 WrestleDream pay-per-view and is now officially signed to the promotion.
- Ilja Dragunov Explains AEW SigningIlja Dragunov made his AEW debut at WrestleDream 2026 where he was introduced to the Orlando crowd by Renee Paquette to a strong reaction.
- Ilja Dragunov’s AEW WrestleDream Debut Came Down to the WirePer Ringside News: speaking during the post- AEW WrestleDream media scrum , Khan explained that Dragunov’s visa process created plenty of uncertainty behind…
- Ilja Dragunov Explains AEW SigningIlja Dragunov officially joined All Elite Wrestling at WrestleDream after a video teaser played on Dynamite.
- Ilja Dragunov Explains AEW Signing DecisionIlja Dragunov became All Elite at AEW WrestleDream, revealed as the newest signing to AEW after a teaser for his arrival aired on Dynamite.
- Title Changes Hands as Ilja Dragunov Betrays WWE — AEW WrestleDreamNew details are emerging on this story from Bleeding Cool News: AEW WrestleDream.
- Ilja Dragunov Debuts As All Elite At WrestleDreamDuring AEW WrestleDream 2026, Renee Paquette introduced the newest signee to the roster.
- Ex-WWE Star Makes AEW Debut on WrestleDream0 AEW WrestleDream 2026 delivered a long-awaited arrival after weeks of cryptic teasers featuring a ticking metronome.
- Ilja Dragunov Debuts for AEW at WrestleDreamIlja Dragunov made his surprise AEW debut at the WrestleDream pay-per-view in Orlando on Saturday night.
- Ilja Dragunov Debuts for AEW at WrestleDream 2026Ilja Dragunov has officially joined All Elite Wrestling.
- Ilja Dragunov Debuts as New AEW Signer at WrestleDreamIlja Dragunov made his AEW debut right after Hangman Page, Bandido and Brody King won the World Trios Titles at WrestleDream in Orlando.
- Ilja Dragunov officially joins AEWIlja Dragunov made his AEW debut at WrestleDream in Orlando on October 17 as Renee Paquette introduced him ahead of the final two matches.
- On the Record: Tony Khan Confirms Ilja Dragunov’s AEW Signing Following WrestleDream DebutThe latest: khan posted the official All Elite graphic featuring Dragunov, confirming that the former WWE star is now part of AEW’s roster.
- Ilja Dragunov Signs With AEW, Debuts At WrestleDreamFormer WWE United States Champion Ilja Dragunov made his surprise AEW debut at the conclusion of the 2026 WrestleDream event in Orlando.
- Ilja Dragunov Signs With AEWDuring a break in the action at AEW's 2026 WrestleDream pay-per-view, Renee Paquette introduced Ilja Dragunov as the newest signee.
- Ilja Dragunov Makes Official AEW Debut at WrestleDream 2026The big moment came when Renee Paquette introduced Dragunov to the crowd.
- AEW’s New Ilja Dragunov Teaser Has WrestleDream in Focus0 AEW has released another cryptic teaser ahead of Ilja Dragunov‘s expected arrival.
- AEW Drops Major Ilja Dragunov Tease Ahead of WrestleDreamPer Ringside News: the presentation follows the same mysterious style AEW previously used to tease Dragunov’s arrival, but this time the company added another…
- AEW Releases New Ilja Dragunov Arrival TeaserAEW shared a fresh vignette on Friday teasing the upcoming debut of Ilja Dragunov.
- Ilja Dragunov Signs With AEWIlja Dragunov has signed a contract with All Elite Wrestling after resolving his visa issues.
Source: Fightful
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