Meltzer: WWE Complicated Ilja Dragunov's AEW Visa Process

Ilja Dragunov has signed with AEW but faced delays in his debut due to complications with his work visa. The visa had previously been tied to his time with WWE, which created obstacles during the transition process.

Dragunov received confirmation of his visa approval at 2 a.m. in Germany on a Wednesday night. This timing coincided with the middle of AEW's taping for Dynamite and Collision.

AEW had prepared a vignette for Dragunov in advance and planned to air it once his availability was confirmed. The promotion had hoped to feature him at a pay-per-view event but held off without certainty about his visa status.

Once the visa was secured without further issues, AEW inserted the vignette into the show. Dragunov is now scheduled to make his in-ring debut for the company this Wednesday on Dynamite.

The upcoming match will mark Dragunov's first appearance in a ring since competing in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown in April. An opponent for his AEW debut has not yet been announced.