Ilja Dragunov, who left WWE earlier this summer, has been a hot topic among wrestling fans eager to learn about his next move. According to a recent Fightful Select report, Dragunov is expected to join AEW soon. This has been confirmed by Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, where he revealed that Dragunov has already signed with All Elite Wrestling and is set to debut shortly. Meltzer notes that AEW President Tony Khan’s public admiration for Dragunov back when he became a free agent made this signing predictable. While many fans anticipated Dragunov’s debut at AEW All In London 2026—where The New Level debuted—contract negotiations can take weeks to finalize, which explains his absence at Wembley Stadium.
Looking ahead, AEW All Out 2026, happening just over a week away and already sold out, would be a prime event for Dragunov’s debut. Shortly after, AEW will visit Paris for AEW Grand Slam France in October, a location familiar to Dragunov from his time wrestling on the European indie circuit. As for his role within AEW, Meltzer explained that although Dragunov is known for delivering outstanding matches, AEW might need to carefully consider how to allocate TV time, as his addition will inevitably reduce opportunities for some existing roster members.
Fan Take: Ilja Dragunov joining AEW is a major win for wrestling fans craving fresh, high-caliber talent and could elevate AEW’s already impressive in-ring product. This move signals a shift in the wrestling landscape, highlighting AEW’s growing appeal as a destination for top international stars and intensifying the competition between promotions.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
