# Ilja Dragunov Finds Freedom in AEW After WWE Exit

> Ilja Dragunov leaves WWE for AEW after ACL tear, seeking freedom in wrestling.
- Title: Ilja Dragunov Finds Freedom in AEW After WWE Exit | Shortify
- Summary: Ilja Dragunov leaves WWE for AEW after ACL tear, seeking freedom in wrestling. Ilja Dragunov, former WWE NXT Champion, found freedom in AEW after leaving WWE…
- Keywords: ilja dragunov, aew, wwe, nxt champion, acl tear, wrestle dream, seahawks, nfl, sports, Ilja, Dragunov, Finds
- Source: Wrestling On Fannation — https://si.com/fannation/wrestling/aew/ilja-dragunov-explains-how-he-found-freedom-in-aew-after-wwe-exit-exclusive
- Published: 2026-10-21T15:26:30+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: ilja dragunov, aew, wwe, nxt champion, acl tear, wrestle dream, seahawks, nfl, sports
## Ilja Dragunov's WWE to AEW Move
Ilja Dragunov made his AEW debut at Saturday night's AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view.
## Dragunov's WWE Contract Ends
The 33-year-old made the decision to leave WWE upon the expiration of his contract this summer.
## Dragunov's Reflection Period
Speaking with The Takedown on SI on Tuesday, he said he was able to get through his lack of ring time with the help of his girlfriend.
## Dragunov's Thoughts on Freedom
Actually, not being busier for a certain period of time was also not the worst thing to just let the body heal and to have some time to think about certain things.

> Actually, not being busier for a certain period of time was also not the worst thing to just let the body heal and to have some time to think about certain things
## Dragunov's WWE Career
The former WWE NXT Champion signed with WWE as a part of the WWE NXT UK brand back in 2019.
## Dragunov's ACL Injury
He received his official call-up in 2024, but just months in, he tore his ACL, sidelining him for more than a year.
## Dragunov's WWE Return
Dragunov would make his return in October of 2025, winning the WWE United States Championship from Sami Zayn.
## Dragunov's Title Reign
It looked like the start of a new opportunity for the Russian-born star, but a 70-day reign would eventually end.
## Dragunov's AEW Debut
Dragunov admitted that their quick success in AEW caught his attention.

> Dragunov admitted that their quick success in AEW caught his attention
## New Level's AEW Success
Kofi and Austin Creed, formerly known as The New Day, made their AEW debuts at All In under the New Level moniker.
## Dragunov's AEW Experience
It lets my heart beat faster, and I feel like I re-fell in love with professional wrestling in some kind of way.

> It lets my heart beat faster, and I feel like I re-fell in love with professional wrestling in some kind of way
## Dragunov's AEW Debut Date
Dragunov officially makes his AEW in-ring debut on Wednesday night against "Speedball" Mike Bailey on AEW Dynamite.
## Dragunov's Freedom
They want to enhance what I'm doing and they want to put it into the right light, what I'm doing. And I feel if you can describe it with some word, I feel freedom.

> They want to enhance what I'm doing and they want to put it into the right light, what I'm doing. And I feel if you can describe it with some word, I feel freedom
## Key takeaway

Ilja Dragunov, former WWE NXT Champion, found freedom in AEW after leaving WWE following a 70-day title reign and ACL tear recovery.