Ilya Dragunov is all elite.
during AEW WrestleDream 2026Renee Paquette came out to make an announcement about a new member of the deep roster. A large metronome appeared before the lights went out. The “Soviet March” theme played and the logo appeared before Ilya Dragunov’s name, and the crowd went wild. An extremely excited Dragunov appeared in a suit, and he began to conduct from the ramp.
Dragunov was circling the outside of the ring as Excalibur said. “Born Russian, raised German. Ilya Dragunov is all elite. The most intense wrestler to ever step foot in the squared circle. The man who took Europe by storm has now arrived in AEW.” Dragunov ran off the ropes as a pyro came out at the top of the ramp. He continued to conduct the other corners before blowing a kiss, then conducting a few more as he went up the ramp.
.@UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR: AEW HAS ARRIVED! 🔥
Watch #AEWWrestleDream LIVE PPV! pic.twitter.com/xgAQR6LoMZ
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 18, 2026
Shortly after, Tony Khan tweeted the official All Elite graphic of Dragunov.
He arrived in AEW tonight at #AEWWrestleDreamand now it’s official. @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR: everyone is elite. pic.twitter.com/YXt0zbYrmW
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) October 18, 2026
Dragunov wrestled for NXT UK starting in 2019 and joined WWE NXT in 2022. Dragunov appeared on the main roster in 2024, but left WWE in August. allowing his contract to expire.
