Ilja Dragunov has left WWE after his contract expired, multiple outlets reported this week. WWE removed the former United States Champion from its internal roster and moved his biography to the alumni section of WWE.com, confirming that the exit is official.
According to reports, the two sides were unable to reach agreement on a new deal, with contractual pay cited as the primary sticking point. WWE was said to have hoped to retain Dragunov, but the German star opted to let his contract lapse rather than sign an extension.
Dragunov debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2024 before a torn ACL sidelined him for roughly a year. He returned in October 2025, defeating Sami Zayn for the United States Championship in his comeback match and holding the title for 63 days. He had not competed on WWE television since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal ahead of WrestleMania 42.