Ilja Dragunov WWE Contract: Rumored expiry, dates and more

Ilja Dragunov, born Ilja Rukober on 10 October 1993 in Moscow, Russia, has become a prominent figure in WWE during recent years, renowned for his intense in-ring style and compelling character work. As of February 2025, discussions have emerged regarding the status of his WWE contract, focusing on its potential expiry, key dates, and future prospects.

Ilja Dragunov’s WWE Tenure and Contract History

Dragunov’s journey with WWE commenced in January 2019 when he signed with the company, making a significant impact on the NXT UK brand. His tenure has been highlighted by a historic victory over WALTER (now known as Gunther) at NXT TakeOver 36 in August 2021, where he captured the NXT United Kingdom Championship. This victory not only solidified his status as a top performer but also ended WALTER’s record-setting title reign.

In September 2023, Dragunov achieved another milestone by winning the NXT Championship at NXT No Mercy, defeating Carmelo Hayes. His reign as NXT Champion showcased his resilience and adaptability, further enhancing his reputation within the company. However, his championship tenure concluded in April 2024 at NXT Stand & Deliver, where he was defeated by Trick Williams.

Main Roster Transition and Contractual Speculations

Following his NXT Championship loss, Dragunov was drafted to WWE’s main roster during the April 2024 WWE Draft, officially joining the Raw brand. He made his Raw debut on 6 May 2024, securing a victory over Ricochet in the first round of the King of the Ring tournament. Despite a strong start, his tournament journey ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to Jey Uso on 13 May 2024.

In September 2024, Dragunov suffered a torn ACL, sidelining him for an estimated 6 to 9 months. This injury has inevitably influenced discussions about his contract status and future within WWE.

Specific details regarding Dragunov’s WWE contract, including its duration and financial terms, have not been publicly disclosed. However, considering standard WWE contract practices, it’s plausible that his initial agreement spanned several years, potentially set to expire in 2024 or 2025. Given his injury and the typical recovery timeline, it’s conceivable that WWE may have extended his contract to account for his time away from active competition, ensuring he fulfills his in-ring obligations upon return.

Future Prospects and Fan Anticipation

As of February 2025, Dragunov’s return to in-ring action is highly anticipated. His unique wrestling style and intense persona have garnered a dedicated fanbase eager to see him reestablish himself on the main roster. Potential storylines upon his return could involve rekindling rivalries from NXT or initiating new feuds with established main roster talents.

The uncertainty surrounding his contract’s exact expiry adds an element of intrigue. WWE may opt to negotiate a contract extension to secure Dragunov’s services for the foreseeable future, especially considering his potential to contribute significantly to the company’s programming post-recovery.

Ilja Dragunov’s WWE career has been marked by remarkable achievements and unforeseen challenges. While official details about his contract remain undisclosed, the combination of his injury and the standard practices regarding contract extensions suggest that his tenure with WWE is likely to continue beyond his recovery. Fans and industry observers alike await official announcements, optimistic about Dragunov’s return and the impact he will undoubtedly have upon reentering the squared circle.

Note: The information provided is based on available data as of February 2025 and may be subject to change with future developments.