Could Ilja Dragunov be returning soon?
The former NXT UK Champion has been out of action for a torn ACL since September 2024. Dragunov has been rather quiet since being sidelined with a big injury. However, that could change very soon.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dragunov has been cleared to return and the 31-year-old is simply waiting for a story that will bring him back. The report never states when Dragunov was cleared for in-ring action, though it’s exciting that one of the best wrestlers in the world will get to compete again.
Now, Cory Hays of Bodyslam.net does say that it could be a matter of weeks for Dargunov’s return as there has been discussions about bringing back the RAW star, but a possible date has yet to be confirmed.
Dragunov originally made his WWE debut in 2019 under the NXT UK brand. Dragunov’s notable for his incredible match against Gunther at the final TakeOver in August 2021. That night, he started his journey as the NXT UK Champion and Dragunov managed to keep the belt for 319 days. He was forced to vacate the title due to injury. He returned back under the American NXT after the UK brand folded.
The WWE star would eventually win the NXT Championship in 2023, beating Carmelo Hayes for the prestigious belt. Dragunov would keep the title for 206 days, successfully defending his belt against talents such as Dominik Mysterio, Baron Corbin, and Tony D’Angelo. He dropped it to Trick Williams at Spring Breakin’ in 2024. He was then moved up to the RAW brand in 2024 on April 8, beating Shinsuke Nakamura in his debut match.
There had been teases here and there that WWE were going to revisit the rivalry between Gunther and Dragunov on the main roster, but the injury definitely hampered any possible plans. It’s not clear what feud Dragunov could have in his return. Before his injury, Dragunov competed on WWE Speed, but reportedly, that show has been axed, so it’s unlikely that he’ll compete there anytime soon.
Hopefully there’s a legit plan for Dragunov’s return. It’s highly unlikely that he’ll challenge for any of the world titles since that scene is pretty crowded. However, that doesn’t mean that he can’t hang around the I.C. or U.S. title scene. Or just give him a feud that he can really sink his teeth into. Either way, it should be exciting to see what Dragunov does next.