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A wrestler once billed as "the Mad Dragon" has slipped out of WWE's grasp — quietly, but unmistakably. Ilja Dragunov, a former WWE United States champion, NXT champion and NXT UK champion, has exited the company, as WWE shifted his profile into its alumni section on Thursday.

The Contract That Ran Out

According to a report from PW Insider, Dragunov's departure came down to simple contract math: his deal with WWE had run its course and simply expired, rather than any dramatic falling-out playing out in public.

A Rise Built on European Grit

Dragunov, now 32, arrived at WWE in February 2019 carrying a reputation forged over years grinding through Progress Wrestling and other European promotions. He wasted little time making an impression, quickly establishing himself as one of the toughest, most fearsome competitors inside the ring and climbing the ranks until he captured the NXT UK Championship — a breakout run that many consider the foundation of his current standing as one of the best pro wrestlers working today.

Crossing the Atlantic After Injury

Dragunov's time in NXT UK ended on a difficult note, with a leg injury sidelining him during his final stretch there. But he resurfaced in September 2022 on the main NXT brand, having made the jump overseas. He immediately threw himself into title contention, squaring off against top competitors including Bron Breakker, JD McDonagh, Wes Lee and Carmelo Hayes — though gold eluded him through that early stretch of championship matches.

Making History With Dual Titles

That drought finally broke in September 2023, when Dragunov defeated Hayes to capture the NXT Championship — a victory that made him the first performer in WWE history to hold both the NXT and NXT UK Championships, cementing his status as a genuine crossover star between the two brands.

A Title Reign That Ended in Defeat

Dragunov's NXT title reign came to a close in April 2024, when he dropped the championship to Trick Williams. The loss didn't slow his momentum for long — he was promoted to the Raw roster following WrestleMania 40, though a torn ACL sidelined him for a full year, forcing him to watch his main-roster opportunity from the sidelines before he ever really got started.

A Return Marked by Championship Gold

When Dragunov finally returned to action, WWE wasted no time placing him into the United States Championship picture. He delivered, defeating Sami Zayn to capture the title in October 2025 and stringing together a run of successful defenses before eventually losing the belt to Hayes.

His Final Appearances

Dragunov's last notable on-screen moments included a stint in this year's Royal Rumble, before he made what turned out to be his final WWE television appearance during the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on "Friday Night SmackDown," held in the lead-up to WrestleMania 42.