Ilja Dragunov Is Leaving WWE After Contract Expires, Report Says
WWE fans have been hit with another surprising departure, as Ilja Dragunov is reportedly done with the company after his WWE contract expired.
The former United States Champion had been absent from WWE television for several months, leaving fans increasingly curious about his status. That mystery now appears to have been answered, with PWInsider reporting that Dragunov’s deal has expired and that he is exiting WWE. WWE has also moved the former champion to its Alumni section, providing another strong indication that his run with the promotion has come to an end.
Ilja Dragunov’s WWE Contract Has Expired
According to PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, Dragunov’s WWE deal expired and the company removed him from its internal roster earlier this week.
The move was subsequently backed up by other wrestling outlets, including Fightful, which also reported that Dragunov is leaving WWE.
At this stage, WWE has not released a major public statement regarding Dragunov’s departure.
The 32-year-old wrestler now appears on WWE’s Alumni roster, effectively bringing an end to his seven-year association with the company.
A WWE Run Filled With Major Achievements
Dragunov joined WWE in 2019, initially becoming one of the standout performers of NXT UK.
His defining rivalry during that period came against GUNTHER, then known as WALTER. Their hard-hitting encounters became some of the most acclaimed matches in NXT UK history, with Dragunov eventually defeating GUNTHER for the NXT United Kingdom Championship at NXT TakeOver 36.
After NXT UK was absorbed into NXT, Dragunov continued building his reputation in the United States.
He eventually captured the NXT Championship, further establishing himself as one of WWE’s strongest in-ring performers before making his move to the main roster in the 2024 WWE Draft.
Dragunov’s Main-Roster Run Had Plenty of Potential
Dragunov made his main-roster debut in 2024, but his momentum was interrupted by a serious injury.
He suffered a torn ACL in September 2024 and was forced to spend a significant amount of time away from action.
When he finally returned to SmackDown in October 2025, WWE immediately gave him a major opportunity.
Dragunov defeated Sami Zayn to capture the United States Championship in his first match back, instantly putting him back into the title picture.
However, his reign ended when he lost the championship to Carmelo Hayes later that year.
From there, his WWE trajectory became increasingly uncertain.
Why Was Ilja Dragunov Absent?
Dragunov’s disappearance from WWE programming became one of the more puzzling stories surrounding the SmackDown roster.
After losing the United States Championship, he remained largely absent despite having previously been positioned as an important singles competitor.
His most recent WWE appearance came in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 17 episode of SmackDown during WrestleMania 42 weekend.
His last singles match came shortly before that, when he unsuccessfully challenged Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship.
With no major injury announcement explaining his continued absence, speculation about Dragunov’s WWE future continued to grow.
What’s Next for The Mad Dragon?
The biggest question now is where Dragunov wrestles next.
Because he is leaving following the expiration of his contract rather than a WWE release, his situation could be different from the many wrestlers who departed WWE after being released.
Reports have indicated that Dragunov is now free to negotiate with other promotions, although the exact details surrounding any potential post-WWE restrictions should be treated carefully until confirmed.
Naturally, AEW is already being mentioned as a possible destination.
Dragunov’s intense wrestling style would make him an intriguing addition to AEW’s roster, where potential matches against stars such as Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, MJF and others could generate significant interest.
However, there has been no official indication that Dragunov has signed with AEW.
TNA Wrestling and the international independent scene could also become possibilities, while a return to Europe or a run in Japan would give Dragunov another opportunity to showcase the style that made him such a respected performer.
A Frustrating Ending to His WWE Story
Perhaps the most disappointing part of Dragunov’s departure is the amount of potential that still surrounded him.
“The Mad Dragon” had already proven himself in NXT, captured multiple championships and established himself as one of WWE’s most intense performers.
His United States Championship victory appeared to be the beginning of a much bigger main-roster run.
Instead, his momentum gradually disappeared.
For many fans, Dragunov’s departure represents a missed opportunity for WWE. He was only 32 years old, had a distinctive wrestling style and had already developed a passionate following during his time in NXT.
Ilja Dragunov Leaves WWE as a Former Champion
Dragunov’s WWE career ends with an impressive list of accomplishments.
He leaves the company as a former:
– NXT United Kingdom Champion
– NXT Champion
– United States Champion
He also leaves behind his memorable rivalry with GUNTHER and a reputation as one of the hardest-hitting wrestlers of his generation.
Whatever comes next, Dragunov should have plenty of options.
The Geeksterr Take
Ilja Dragunov leaving WWE is undoubtedly a surprise, but it could also become the beginning of a fascinating new chapter.
WWE had a performer capable of producing unforgettable matches and connecting with a passionate audience. His injury interrupted his momentum, and his subsequent absence made his eventual departure feel increasingly inevitable.
Now, the wrestling world will be watching to see where The Mad Dragon lands next.
Whether it’s AEW, TNA, Japan, Europe or somewhere completely unexpected, one thing is clear: Ilja Dragunov is far too talented to remain without a major wrestling home for long.
This article will be updated if WWE or Dragunov provides an official statement regarding his departure or future plans.
