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Ilja Dragunov news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Ilja Dragunov has left WWE after his contract expired, per PWInsider. His absence since WrestleMania and WWE's analytics focus may explain the exit.
Background
Ilja Dragunov, a former United States Champion, has been absent from WWE television for over four months since WrestleMania. Reports suggest WWE's increasing reliance on analytics may have deprioritized him, and his contract has now expired, leading to his departure.
How it unfolded
- Jul 2026Reports suggested Dragunov's return to WWE programming was expected 'sooner rather than later.'
- Aug 15, 2026A rumor about Dragunov's contract issues was dismissed as false by WrestlingNewsSource.
- Aug 17, 2026Ringside News reported that WWE's analytics focus might be the reason for Dragunov's absence.
- Aug 20, 2026PWInsider reported that Dragunov's contract has expired and he is leaving WWE; he has been moved to the alumni section.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- WWE's growing obsession with numbers and analytics could be working against Dragunov, as he isn't considered a priority.
- Public
- Fans continue to await Dragunov's return, with attention turning to when WWE will bring 'The Mad Dragon' back to television.
Still unverified
The exact reason for Dragunov's departure is unconfirmed; reports cite contract expiration, but the role of analytics is speculative.