WWE news: Former NXT UK Champion AEW-bound after shocking exit

Former NXT UK Champion Ilja Dragunov is set to make a shocking exit from WWE, joining the ranks of Tony Khan's AEW. Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp (via Sports Illustrated) reveals that Dragunov is expected to sign a free agent deal with AEW. This move comes after other WWE-released stars like New Level/New Day and the Motor City Machine Guns followed a similar path.

However, Dragunov and AEW had to overcome hurdles to finalize the deal, including addressing visa issues. Dragunov's debut date in AEW remains uncertain, as the company's next PPV event, All Out, is scheduled for September 26 in Chicago, Illinois. Dragunov spent seven years with WWE, first joining NXT UK, where he won the NXT UK Championship from Walter.

He later held the NXT Championship for over 300 days before vacating it due to a leg injury. In 2022, Dragunov moved to NXT and captured the NXT Championship from Carmelo Hayes, retaining it for 206 days before losing it to Trick Williams. His main roster debut occurred on Monday Night RAW after WrestleMania 40 in April 2024, during which he won the United States Championship.