Ilja Dragunov didn’t get pushed out of WWE—he chose the exit after contract talks hit a wall. Now AEW is already circling, and there’s a real possibility the Mad Dragon could resurface as soon as All In at Wembley Stadium.
During WrestleVotes Radio, Joey Votes revealed that WWE and Dragunov discussed a new deal but couldn’t find terms that worked for both sides. In the end, Dragunov made the call to walk away.
“Following the departure of Ilja Dragunov, we checked in with a WWE source who confirmed that the company and Dragunov were unable to come to terms on a new agreement, with the decision ultimately being made on the superstar’s part to exit WWE.”
This also doesn’t appear to be one of those situations where Dragunov takes a few months away and then quietly returns. WWE sources don’t see his departure as anything close to the temporary exits previously taken by Bronson Reed or Baron Corbin.
“Additionally, we’ve been told that many within WWE don’t view this as a short-term departure, similar to what we’ve seen with Bronson Reed or Baron Corbin. Rather, the feeling internally is that Dragunov is done with the company for the time being.”
That “for the time being” leaves the door cracked open, but AEW may get its foot through first. A source inside AEW believes the company will make contact with Dragunov very soon—if that conversation hasn’t already started.
“On the flip side, we checked in with an AEW source who absolutely believes the company will inquire about obtaining Ilja’s services in the very near future, if they haven’t already.”
One source went even further, saying Dragunov could appear on AEW television before long if contract talks go smoothly.
“One source believes that should those talks go smoothly, an appearance in AEW could be on the horizon before long.”
The timing immediately puts AEW All In under the microscope. The company has open spots available in the men’s Casino Gauntlet match, giving Tony Khan an easy way to drop Dragunov into Wembley Stadium without announcing anything beforehand. Joey directly asked whether that “horizon” could mean a surprise appearance at All In this Sunday.
“The question isn’t if, but when. The question is, is that horizon this Sunday at Wembley Stadium?”
TC said the Casino Gauntlet would be the perfect landing spot if AEW wants Dragunov to make an immediate impact.
“Could be. They have the gauntlet match on the card with some open slots for surprises. So, if you have someone out there you want to bring in and really make a shock, I think Ilja would fit the bill for that.”
He also backed up the claim that Dragunov personally turned down WWE’s offer instead of being released by the company.
“There’s an offer out there for Ilja. It was his decision not to sign it.”
Nothing has been confirmed for All In, but the pieces are sitting right there. Dragunov is out of WWE, AEW is expected to come knocking, and Wembley gives the company one hell of a stage to unveil him if a deal gets finished in time.
Do you think Ilja Dragunov will shock Wembley at AEW All In, or will his debut come later? Let us know what you think and leave your feedback in the comments.
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