WWE star Ilja Dragunov leaves company after 7 seven years in shocking move

After a seven-year run, WWE star Ilja Dragunov is leaving the company in a surprising move. This comes after he was absent for months on TV.

PWInsider reports that Dragunov’s contract has expired, and WWE removed him from their internal roster. Unless he re-signs with them, he will be free to sign elsewhere shortly.

More than likely, he will be a hot commodity on the free agent market. Look out for other promotions like AEW to sign him. Unfortunately, that means his infamous moment with Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble will be his last memorable spot.

Why is Ilja Dragunov leaving WWE?

The reason Dragunov is leaving WWE wasn’t reported. However, he has been noticeably absent from WWE programming in recent months. His last televised match was the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal in April before WrestleMania. Before that, his last televised singles match was against Carmelo Hayes during the Mar. 20 edition of Friday Night SmackDown.

He started his WWE career in NXT UK. Dragunov won the NXT UK Championship, ending Walter’s (aka Gunther) 870-day reign, and held it for over 300 days. He would have to vacate the title after suffering a leg injury.

From there, Dragunov would move on to NXT. He would defeat Hayes to win the NXT Championship and hold it for 206 days before losing it to Trick Williams.

Dragunov would move on to the main roster after losing the NXT Championship. He debuted on the Monday Night RAW after WrestleMania 40.

Unfortunately, his momentum would be cut short. He competed in the King of the Ring tournament but would tear his ACL during an untelevised live event. That would put him on the shelf for a year.

Upon his return, he won the United States Championship. He would hold it for a couple of months before losing it to Hayes in December 2025.

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