Ilja Dragunov has left WWE after his contract expired. The company moved him to the alumni section, ending his nearly seven-year tenure with the organization. The 32-year-old wrestler, a former United States Champion and NXT Champion, had not appeared on TV for four months before his departure.
Dragunov last competed in April during the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on SmackDown. He also participated in the Royal Rumble earlier this year. No official statement has been made by WWE or Dragunov regarding his exit.
Ilja joined WWE in 2019 after making a name for himself in Europe, including time with Progress Wrestling. He quickly became a standout performer on NXT UK, known for his intense style and willingness to push physical limits. A leg injury sidelined him near the end of his NXT UK run, but he returned in September 2022 and later moved to the U.S.-based NXT roster.
In 2023, Dragunov won the NXT Championship, making history as the first wrestler to hold both the NXT and NXT UK titles. He lost the belt in April 2024 and was soon promoted to Raw. However, a torn ACL kept him out of action for nearly a year. Upon his return in 2025, he became a contender for the United States Championship, winning it in October after defeating Sami Zayn.
Dragunov’s championship reign ended when he lost the belt to Carmelo Hayes earlier this year. Despite limited storyline involvement, he remained a fan favorite due to his high-quality wrestling performances. After disappearing from TV in April, reports suggest he stayed fit during his absence but did not return after his contract expired.
At 32, Dragunov is widely considered one of the best wrestlers in the industry. His departure adds him to the growing list of prominent names entering the free-agent market in 2026.