Ilja Dragunov Feels Creative Freedom In AEW

Ilja Dragunov was released by WWE earlier this year. He made his debut for All Elite Wrestling at the WrestleDream pay-per-view event.

After joining the promotion, Dragunov shared his first impressions of AEW. He expressed that the environment provided him with a strong sense of creative freedom.

Dragunov stated that the experience has renewed his passion for professional wrestling. He noted that the people around him understand his vision and work to enhance and highlight his ideas.

He described his time in AEW as a collaborative process. Dragunov and the creative team have reached agreements on numerous creative decisions.

A significant challenge arose before his debut when he needed to renew his visa, which was finalized at the last minute. His departure from WWE followed the company's failure to present a contract that met his expectations.

Dragunov began his AEW run successfully by defeating Mike Bailey in the main event of the October 21 episode of AEW Dynamite.