WWE’s Latest Exit Is AEW’s Huge Gain

When one door closes another opens in the world of professional wrestling, and that has proven true with all the movements between WWE and AEW over the last seven years. A failed run in WWE might not be the end all and be all for wrestlers, with the likes of Swerve Strickland, Toni Storm, Jon Moxley and more enjoying major success after leaving WWE and signing with AEW. This can bode true for WWE’s latest exit. It has emerged that former NXT & United States Champion Ilja Dragunov is the latest name to leave WWE, with False Finish reporting that this was a decision made by Dragunov himself, choosing to exit upon the expiration of his deal. AEW is the perfect place for him to sign.

Ilja Dragunov Always Delivered In WWE

• Dragunov was incredible in NXT & NXT UK.
• Dragunov had show-stealers on RAW & SmackDown.
• He had potential to be an incredible United States Champion.

Ilja Dragunov spent a whole seven years in WWE, in which time he spent much of this tenure as an overqualified member of the NXT roster. He put in tremendous showings on WWE’s developmental brand both in the UK and US versions of NXT, wrestling in show-stealing matches against the likes of Gunther, Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams, and more, elevating everyone he stood in the ring with and proving himself multiple times as being capable of leading a brand as a top champion.

When it was time for Dragunov to make his presence known on the main roster, he brought his world class ring work to the table on both RAW & SmackDown, getting fans behind his passion, fire, and realism between the ropes. After a long-term injury, Dragunov made a massive statement when he won the United States Championship from Sami Zayn, going on an impressive open challenge spree on the blue brand that served as the highlight of SmackDown each and every week. Unfortunately, Dragunov’s time in the spotlight slowed down as WWE fell out of love with him, with him not appearing regularly after his title loss. 2026 has been a very slow year for Dragunov, likely leading to his decision to step away from the company. Although WWE took their time in bringing Dragunov to the main roster, and despite Dragunov often being off TV, he made the most of every appearance and moment he got to show his talents. WWE may not be the correct fit, but he can further his career elsewhere.

AEW’s Style Is Perfect Ilja Dragunov

• AEW has a harder hitting and high workrate style.
• There are countless great opponents in AEW for Ilja Dragunov.
• Dragunov is more suited to authenticity and realism in stories and matches.

Whenever Ilja Dragunov was in a WWE ring, it was clear that he was different to almost everyone on the roster. His matches always felt more authentic, hard-hitting, brutal, and gritty – all of these being traits that don’t often fit in with the WWE style. However, when looking at AEW, it is clear to see that Dragunov would seamlessly connect with the style, audience, and fellow roster members. AEW has promoted high workrate, hard-hitting matches, and weekly show-stealers from day one, which is exactly what Dragunov delivers.

The AEW roster is jam-packed of great stars who can match Dragunov’s level of in-ring work, with many salivating prospects for him in Tony Khan’s promotion. To name just a few names who could deliver breathtaking matchups with Dragunov, he could face off with the likes of Darby Allin, Kyle Fletcher, Jon Moxley, Kyle O’Reilly, Brody King, Claudio Castagnoli, Kazuchika Okada, Mike Bailey, Konosuke Takeshita, and countless more who could conceivably put forth a match of the year contender. AEW simply feels like home for Dragunov, like it has been all of the aforementioned names who suit the style and presentation perfectly.

Recent AEW Signings Have Proven That Dragunov Is A Perfect Addition

• The likes of Tommaso Ciampa found new life in AEW.
• Andrade El Idolo has had a mega 2026.
• The likes of Jake Doyle have been a major hit after signing with AEW.

AEW has turned around the careers of many of those who have joined the promotion, and this has remained true within the last year. For instance, those who came from WWE previously such as Tommaso Ciampa and Andrade El Idolo have seen their careers go from bland, lifeless, and seemingly done, to being injected with life and energy. Ciampa & Andrade in particular are examples of two wrestlers who were misused by WWE and given the opportunity to be themselves, cut promos, develop characters, and have great matches, leading to them getting over and winning titles. Other signings from different promotions in 2026 have also had plenty of success such as Jake Doyle, whose hard-hitting style has felt right at home. The same will be true for Dragunov.

There is every chance that Dragunov decides to take his talents elsewhere, but AEW would be foolish to pass up on one of the best in-ring workers in the world, and they absolutely need to provide him with an offer. This exit from WWE can be a major gain for AEW.