Ilja Dragunov Explains WWE Departure: ‘Nothing Felt Satisfying’ in Contract Talks

Following his surprise debut at AEW WrestleDream, Ilja Dragunov has detailed the circumstances surrounding his exit from WWE. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, the former NXT and United States Champion revealed he did not anticipate his final match last April, describing the decision to leave as a culmination of creative frustration and a desire for a new environment.

No, absolutely not. Every tale I have to tell about that is not very exciting. I didn’t know I was leaving at the time. I was just waiting. I love what I do. I want to compete and work. It’s nothing new to anybody. It was pretty obvious. Time just passed by, and I reached the expiration of my contract. I felt that, over time, with how things were working out and how I’m feeling, it was time to breathe new and fresh air.

Dragunov confirmed WWE attempted to retain him, but explained that the offer failed to align with his creative aspirations. Having spent the majority of his twenties with the company, he felt the landscape had shifted sufficiently to warrant exploring alternatives.

The offer, as we all know, is a business, but it’s also based on my feelings. How do I want to work creatively? Do I need a scenery change? You have to consider all the factors. I spent most of my 20s in WWE. That’s a very long time. The landscape changed. Now, we have other opportunities. After such a long time being in the company, not seeking out new opportunities at a place where I see myself more fitting—who wouldn’t do that?

While declining to specify whether the financial terms involved a raise or a cut, Dragunov was unequivocal about the lack of fulfillment in the proposal.

Everything I can say is that there was nothing that I felt satisfied with and nothing that gave me the perspective of, ‘I must stick with this.’

Dragunov is scheduled to make his in-ring debut for AEW on the October 21 edition of Dynamite at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida.

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