Ilja Dragunov Discusses WWE Departure and AEW Debut

Ilja Dragunov made his AEW debut at WrestleDream after weeks of speculation and promotional vignettes. Following his entrance, he joined AEW President Tony Khan at the post-show press conference, where it was announced that he would compete on AEW Dynamite.

Dragunov's contract with WWE expired in August, and he discussed his departure on The Ariel Helwani Show. He described the situation as not particularly thrilling, noting that he felt it was time for a change after spending most of his 20s with WWE. He expressed a desire for new opportunities that align better with his creative goals.

He clarified that WWE did not intend to release him, and his exit was influenced by various factors, including the evolving landscape of wrestling and his own feelings about his career. Dragunov emphasized the importance of believing in oneself and the courage required to embrace change.