After a nine-month absence from WWE programming, former NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov may be approaching an in-ring return. The RAW superstar has been on the shelf since suffering a torn ACL in September 2024, an injury sustained during a match against his rival, Gunther, at a WWE live event.
An update on Dragunov’s status was provided during a recent WrestleVotes Q&A session with Sportskeeda Wrestling. The report noted that the presence of an injured superstar at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, often indicates that their comeback is on the horizon. Dragunov was reportedly seen at the facility approximately six weeks ago. Further reports have suggested that WWE is tentatively targeting a return for him around September 2025.
Latest on Dragunov’s Recovery
When asked about the former NXT Champion, the wrestling insider offered details on the sighting and what it could imply for his timeline.
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Last I heard of him was about six weeks ago now. He was down at the PC. Don’t know if he was doing anything inside the ring. I know he was there. Usually, that indicates things are getting closer, so maybe soon, but I can’t say for sure.
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Before his injury, Dragunov had been integrated into the main roster following WrestleMania 40, engaging in notable matches with competitors like Bron Breakker, Ricochet, and Jey Uso. His last televised appearance was a challenge for Gunther’s World Heavyweight Championship on September 28, 2024. With Gunther once again holding the top title on RAW, a potential return for Dragunov could reignite their acclaimed rivalry, which has spanned across multiple brands and produced several classic encounters.
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