Categories: Sports

Ilja Dragunov Cleared! WWE Now Hunting the Ideal Return Slot

After recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in September 2024, Ilja Dragunov will shortly join the WWE. He is cleared medically, but WWE will carefully choose when to bring him back in order to maximise his appearances.

Published by Namrata Boruah
Published: August 19, 2025 19:13:37 IST

Ilja Dragunov is already stated to be returning soon to WWE after a lengthy recovery of a torn ACL that he suffered in September 2024 in Columbus, Georgia during a live show. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter then confirms that he is now medically cleared, though the WWE is purposefully holding off his return so as to make the most of it.

Is Ilja Dragunov really making a comeback?

It is reported Dragunov has been mentioned in WWE creative sessions, which shows a push behind the scenes to have Dragunov make a successful comeback, which he could do in a few weeks time. Wrestling Attitude agrees with this on the note that WWE is considering ways to make Dragunov debut again through RAW, SmackDown, or NXT in a way that they seek to identify with the fans.

His re emergence as WWE story telling machine will be important. Considering the previous impetus that he had, being promoted to the main roster after WrestleMania 40 and feuding with such stars as Ricochet and Bron Breakker, his Art of War Revival may become a catalyst of pivotal storylines, especially in the latter case, as he continued to cross paths with his former adversary, Gunther, who was present in the narrative explaining his injury.

What do the fans say about Ilja Dragunov’s return?

Fans are cautiously optimistic but feel that WWE should not rush Dragunov back and any reintroduction must be well laid out as his high flying style can be disastrous when not properly planned. Considering how serious his injury is and that he is a fire fan favorite, rebuilding in the mid card on a gradual basis may be the smartest course of action before placing him in greater stakes programing.

This feels like it could be any day now, not in months, but the approach taken by WWE itself highlights their focus in ensuring that Dragunov’s comeback is not simply a match, it could also be a smart set up to a long-term storyline in the larger WWE universe.

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