Ilja Dragunov Leaves WWE: REPORT

August 20, 2026 5:20 PM ET Well, this is interesting.Ilja Dragunov, who is a one-time WWE United States champion, NXT champion and NXT UK champion, has made an exit from the sports entertainment giant.Dragunov’s profile was moved by WWE to its alumni section Thursday.According to a report from PW Insider, Dragunov’s contract with WWE expired. (RELATED: Ceyair Wright Leaves Bengals To Pursue Film, Television Opportunities)Dragunov inked a deal with WWE in Feb. 2019 after performing for years in Progress Wrestling and other promotions in Europe, ultimately becoming the NXT UK Champion. In Sept. 2023, Dragunov beat Carmelo Hayes to win the NXT Championship, and accomplished a little history while at it. He became the first person in WWE to win each the NXT and NXT UK Championship.He went on t