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Ilja Dragonuv is exiting World Wrestling Entertainment, PWInsider.com can exclusively confirm.
We are told that Dragonuv's deal has expired. He was removed internally from WWE roster this week.
The Russian star signed with WWE in 2019 as part of the NXT UK brand with a great standout feud against WALTER (now GUNTHER) including incredible bouts at NXT UK Takeover: Blackpool II and WWE NXT Takeover 36. The later bout saw Dragonuv win the NXT UK title. After the UK brand was merged into WWE NXT proper here in the United States, Dragonuv followed suit, including a WWE NXT title win over Carmelo Hayes at NXT No Mercy. After a title run, he was brought to the main roster in 2024. His momentum was halted after tearing his ACL in September 2024. He returned in 2025, later defeating Sami Zayn to win the U.S. title. He last performed for the company in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal over Wrestlemania 42 weekend in Las Vegas.
At 32 years old, one would think someone of his calibre in the ring would be an immediate must-hire elsewhere.
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