An update on Ilja Dragunov’s potential WWE return after being off television since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
After spending over a year out of action in 2024 and 2025, Ilja made his return to WWE television last October, defeating Sami Zayn to win the United States Championship upon his return.
Ilja would drop the title to Carmelo Hayes on the December 26 episode of SmackDown, Ilja and Melo remained part of a story on SmackDown.
Ilja has not appeared on WWE television since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal ahead of WrestleMania 42, but there has now been an update on his return.
Ilja Dragunov Expected Back ‘Sooner Than Later’
Per Bryan Alvarez of Wrestling Observer, Ilja is expected to make his return to WWE television ‘sooner than later’.
He simply wrote:
Ilja Dragunov expected back sooner than later
It is not currently known why Ilja has been off WWE television for the past two months, though he has been seen training with Nattie and TJ Wilson at the Dungeon during his absence.
Ilja Dragunov’s Future In WWE?
With Ilja coming to the main roster two years ago after a successful run in NXT, he has long been a name that fans have been hoping to see more prominently featured on WWE television.
Ilja has a lot of history with Gunther dating back to the pair’s classic matches as part of the NXT UK brand, with them still yet to have their first match together as part of the WWE main roster.
With Gunther now getting into an issue with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, we could see Nick call upon backup to help him fight Gunther, with Ilja already holding a victory over Gunther from their time in NXT.
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