Ilja Dragunov’s WWE Journey Comes to an End

Ilja Dragunov Departs WWE

Ilja Dragunov, known for his achievements as a former WWE United States Champion, NXT Champion, and NXT UK Champion, has left WWE. His profile has been moved to the alumni section as of Thursday.

Contract Expiry

The contract of the 32-year-old wrestler expired, according to PW Insider. Dragunov joined WWE in February 2019, transitioning from Progress Wrestling and other European circuits. Quickly, his reputation as a tenacious competitor grew, leading him to capture the NXT UK Championship.

Injury and Comeback

Despite suffering a leg injury in NXT UK’s final stages, Dragunov made a remarkable comeback in September 2022. Competing overseas with NXT, he faced formidable opponents like Bron Breakker, JD McDonagh, and Carmelo Hayes. Although he impressed, he didn’t secure a title during that period.

NXT Achievements

In September 2023, Dragunov made history by defeating Hayes to win the NXT Championship, becoming the first wrestler in WWE to hold both NXT and NXT UK titles. He lost the championship in April 2024 to Trick Williams. After WrestleMania 40, he moved to the Raw brand, but a torn ACL sidelined him for a year.

United States Championship

Returning to action, Dragunov entered the U.S. Championship scene, dethroning Sami Zayn in October 2025. He defended the title successfully multiple times before losing it to Hayes.

Final WWE Appearances

Dragunov last participated in the Royal Rumble and appeared on WWE TV in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the “Friday Night SmackDown” before WrestleMania 42.