Ilja Dragunov WWE return update | Exclusive
It’s been a couple of months since we’ve seen Ilja Dragunov compete in a WWE ring, but it sounds like that will be changing soon.
Our Bryan Alvarez reports that Dragunov is expected to be back “sooner than later.” The most recent match for Dragunov was prior to WrestleMania 42, when he took part in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown. Dragunov had been involved in the United States title picture prior to that and had a reign as champion.
“Ilja Dragunov expected back sooner than later,” Alvarez writes.
While it’s not known why Dragunov has been absent since April, he’s been staying active by attending training sessions at Nattie & TJ Wilson’s Dungeon wrestling facility. Dragunov and his significant other Leigh Laurel (former NXT/Evolve wrestler Jin Tala) were present for training as recently as June 17.
A former NXT Champion and NXT UK Champion, Dragunov won his first main roster gold when he defeated Sami Zayn for the United States title in October 2025. He held the belt for just over two months before losing it to Carmelo Hayes. The championship is currently held by Trick Williams.
An exact return date for Dragunov has not been reported.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.