Ilja Dragunov has become one of the hottest free agents in pro wrestling since leaving WWE, and Tony Khan has finally been asked about AEW’s interest in signing him.
At the post-ROH Death Before Dishonor press conference on Friday, August 21, Khan was asked about the possibility of bringing Dragunov into AEW and stopped short of confirming any negotiations. The AEW president said he wasn’t sure about Dragunov’s contractual status but spoke highly of his in-ring ability.
“I’m not sure about the contractual status, but that’s a tremendous, tremendous professional wrestler, absolutely. I don’t know exactly what the contractual status is of people that don’t work here, I can’t keep track of those things and there is no way for me to know that, but one thing I do know is that’s a great wrestler.”
Khan’s comments came after Dragunov’s WWE deal expired without a non-compete clause, immediately opening the door for speculation about his next move.
During his WWE run, Dragunov held the NXT UK Championship, the NXT Championship, and the United States Championship. He was best known for his physical, hard-hitting style and his intense rivalries, including his memorable series of matches against GUNTHER.
As of now, there has been no confirmation that Dragunov is in talks with AEW or any other promotion. Khan’s remarks, however, keep the former WWE Superstar’s name firmly in the free agent conversation.
Dragunov’s future figures to be one of the most closely watched situations over the coming weeks, especially with the potential for reunions against several opponents he’s faced throughout his career.