New Report Confirms Former WWE Star Ilja Dragunov Is Heading To AEW

Another new report on Friday has confirmed the status of former WWE star Ilja Dragunov. The star, who chose not to renew his WWE contract over the summer, is set to head to All Elite Wrestling.

Fightful Select confirmed the news with a report on Friday, following an earlier update in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Fightful reported that it had been confirmed to them this week that Dragunov is set to join AEW, and his visa situation following his WWE departure is currently being sorted out. According to the report, graphics and other materials related to him are being prepared.

Fightful reported on Monday that "The Mad Dragon" was headed to AEW, and in Friday's edition of the Wrestling Observer, Dave Meltzer reported that Dragunov has already signed a deal with AEW and should be starting "very soon." Meltzer wrote that he expected the deal to happen after AEW President Tony Khan publicly praised the former WWE United States Champion when the news of his free agency first broke.

No reports have confirmed just when Dragunov will first appear for AEW, or even what his ring name will officially be. AEW will host All Out 2026 from the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois next weekend, an event that has already sold out. AEW is also set to travel to Paris for "AEW Grand Slam Paris" next month.

It's unclear when Dragunov's visa issues may be resolved, however. His last match was the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, ultimately won by Royce Keys, that took place just ahead of WrestleMania 42.