Ilja Dragunov is getting closer to his AEW debut, but despite progress behind the scenes, there is still no set date for his first appearance with Tony Khan’s promotion.
According to Fightful Select, AEW has begun preparing internally for Dragunov’s arrival, with materials and graphics for him in the works. The main issue still being worked out involves his visa to work in the United States.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter went a step further, reporting that Dragunov has signed with AEW.
“Ilja Dragunov has signed and should be starting very soon.”
Dragunov left WWE in August after deciding not to renew his contract. Because the deal ran its course, he was not subject to a 90-day non-compete clause and was free to sign with another promotion right away.
AEW’s interest in Dragunov is not new. Tony Khan called him a “tremendous professional wrestler” back in August, when asked about the newly available free agent.
AEW is set to hold All Out on Saturday, September 26, at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be available in the United States on HBO Max and other pay-per-view platforms. So far, however, no source has confirmed that Dragunov will appear at All Out.
Dragunov’s last match came in April, when he competed in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. During his WWE run, he won the NXT Championship, the NXT UK Championship and the United States Championship.