Update On llja Dragunov Amidst WWE TV Absence

Ilja Dragunov may soon be back on WWE TV.

According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, Dragunov is expected back "sooner than later", although there is no word on an exact return date for the former WWE United States Champion.

Ilja Dragunov has been absent from WWE programming since the SmackDown before WrestleMania 42 when he competed in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal won by Royce Keys. The reason for Dragunov's absence is unknown but he does not appear to be dealing with an injury as he has been training at the Hart Dungeon in recent weeks with his partner Leigh Laurel.

Ilja Dragunov has been a part of WWE since 2019 and initially competed on NXT UK, reigning as NXT UK Champion from August 2021 until July 2022. Dragunov has performed in the United States since NXT UK shuttered, and he had a 206-day reign as NXT Champion from September 2023 to April 2024. 

Dragunov moved to the main roster in the aftermath of WrestleMania XL in 2024 but he spent one year out of action due to a torn ACL. He won the United States Championship upon his return in October 2025 and held the belt for 63 days until dropping the gold to Carmelo Hayes in December of last year.