Breaking news: Ilja Dragunov reportedly leaving WWE
On Thursday afternoon, Ilja Dragunov was moved to the Alumni section of WWE’s official website. Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com noted the following in regards to Dragonov’s status with WWE…
“Ilja Dragonuv is exiting World Wrestling Entertainment, PWInsider.com can exclusively confirm. We are told that Dragonuv’s deal has expired. He last performed Wrestlemania weekend.”
False Finish wrote via Twitter/X, “We’re told WWE would have liked Dragunov to stay with the company but Dragunov opted to let his contract expire.”
Dragonuv has apparently been traveling in recent months with his girlfriend, Leigh Laurel. She shared photos on Instagram with the caption, “Churches, libraries, museums & you ❤️.”
In June of 2026, Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com addressed Dragunov’s absence from television. Meltzer stated, “To them he is an interchangeable mid-card guy. They don’t see him as a top guy. They just don’t.”
We’re told WWE would have liked Dragunov to stay with the company but Dragunov opted to let his contract expire https://t.co/zyMom6uAyK
— False Finish (@FalseFinishHQ) August 20, 2026