At this point, it feels less like a question of whether Ilja Dragunov is showing up in AEW and more a question of when. Another backstage update has now surfaced, and it sounds like AEW is already preparing for the former WWE star’s arrival.
Dragunov has been one of the biggest free agents in wrestling ever since his WWE contract expired. Earlier today, Dave Meltzer reported that he’d signed with AEW and should be starting “very soon.” Now there’s another piece of the puzzle.
According to Fightful Select, AEW has continued moving forward with plans for Dragunov behind the scenes. It was noed that that his arrival has been further confirmed internally, with the company already putting together materials for his debut and that they are also sorting out his visa situation.
“It was further confirmed to Fightful this week that Ilja is set to join the company. There are already internal materials and graphics being prepared for him. They’re sorting out his visa situation.”
The update also lines up with everything that’s been reported over the past few weeks. Tony Khan didn’t exactly hide how highly he thinks of Dragunov after his WWE departure, and reports have consistently pointed toward AEW as his next destination. Meltzer’s report that the deal was done only added more fuel to that belief.
Nobody knows exactly when Dragunov will make his first appearance. Grand Slam: France has been mentioned as a possible landing spot because of his history wrestling throughout Europe, but that’s still just speculation.
One thing is becoming harder and harder to ignore, though. Between multiple reports confirming the move and AEW already preparing graphics behind the scenes, it’s clear that Dragunov’s debut is just waiting on the right moment.
How would you debut Ilja Dragunov in AEW? Let us know in the comments below.
