# Ilja Dragunov's WWE Contract Exit

> Ilja Dragunov, former WWE star, says he won't renew contract after negotiations failed.
- Title: Ilja Dragunov's WWE Contract Exit · Wrestling On Fannation
- Summary: Ilja Dragunov, former WWE star, says he won't renew contract after negotiations failed. Ilja Dragunov refused WWE contract renewal after negotiations didn't…
- Keywords: ilja dragunov, wwe, aew, wrestle dream, dynamite, wrestlemania, contract negotiations, wwe nxt uk champion, wwe united states champion, nxt champion, sports, Ilja
- Source: Wrestling On Fannation — https://si.com/fannation/wrestling/aew/ilja-dragunov-issues-first-comments-on-wwe-contract-negotiations
- Published: 2026-10-20T22:00:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ilja dragunov, wwe, aew, wrestle dream, dynamite, wrestlemania, contract negotiations, wwe nxt uk champion, wwe united states champion, nxt champion, sports
## Ilja Dragunov joins AEW
Ilja Dragunov became All Elite as of AEW WrestleDream PPV event on Saturday night.
## WWE cuts pay for roster
WWE asked talents for 50% pay cut to stay with company after WrestleMania.
## The New Level released
The New Level denied WWE pay cut request and were released from WWE.
## The New Level wins AEW titles
The New Level won AEW World Trios Championships with Swerve Strickland at All In.
## Dragunov debuts at WrestleDream
Renee Paquette introduced Dragunov at WrestleDream with live audience reaction.
## Dragunov refuses WWE details
Dragunov refused to discuss WWE contract negotiations in interview with Ariel Helwani.
## Dragunov's negotiation reasons
Dragunov said negotiations didn't lead anywhere and contract expired without resolution.
## Dragunov's WWE titles
Dragunov was former WWE NXT UK Champion, NXT Champion, and WWE United States Champion.
## Dragunov's AEW dream matches
Dragunov has potential matches with Ospreay, Omega, Strickland, MJF, and others in AEW.
## Key takeaway

Ilja Dragunov refused WWE contract renewal after negotiations didn't lead to satisfaction.