Speculation about Ilja Dragunov debuting with AEW as soon as All In: London 2026

Last week, it was reported that Ilja Dragunov has left WWE. According to WrestleVotes Radio, Dragunov’s WWE departure was his decision after he and the company were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. It was also stated that an offer was made to Dragunov, but it was his decision not to sign it.

A WWE source reportedly said that, unlike recent departures involving Bronson Reed or Baron Corbin, many within WWE do not view Dragunov’s exit as a short-term situation and believe he is “done with the company for the time being.”

Meanwhile, an AEW source reportedly believes the company will pursue Dragunov if it has not already done so. One source suggested that, if negotiations go smoothly, Dragunov could appear in AEW soon, with the possibility of making a surprise appearance at All In: London this Sunday. WrestleVotes noted that AEW’s gauntlet match has open spots that could accommodate a surprise entrant and said Dragunov would be a strong fit.