A former WWE champion is due for a return to Monday Night RAW after an absence of 45 weeks.
WWE fans know a talent when they see one. This was evident when the company moved NXT’s alumnus Ilja Dragunov to the main roster last year in April. However, before he could make a significant impact, the Stamford-based promotion’s first-ever Russian-born champion got sidelined with an injury.
On September 30, 2024, Ilja Dragunov suffered a torn ACL during a live event. It was later reported that he would be out for 6 to 9 months. The Mad Dragon is a former NXT UK and NXT Champion. The promising 31-year-old stalwart has garnered a fan following for many reasons, with one of them being his history with RAW’s top star, Gunther.
Both Dragunov and The Ring General have fought tooth and nail in NXT before. Since moving to RAW, Dragunov was cited as a potential threat to the former World Heavyweight Champion. But any potential momentum he had built up until that point was brought to a screeching halt owing to the unfortunate injury.
Be that as it may, the 31-year-old’s potential breakout could just have been delayed.
WWE Reportedly Brought Up Ilja Dragunov’s Name Backstage Recently, Return Incoming
Before he took time off to nurse his injuries, Ilja Dragunov was performing on Monday Night RAW. He had competed in the 2024 King of the Ring tourney and even challenged then-Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn. On X/Twitter, BodySlam’s Cory Hays reported that it was only a matter of time before WWE reintroduces Dragunov on television.
Cory Hays also reported on X that the return was not set for the next few weeks. But since Dragunov’s name was brought up backstage, it seems the comeback could happen sooner rather than later.
The title picture has now changed on the flagship show, as Dominik Mysterio is currently in possession of the Intercontinental Championship, and Gunther lost the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam. The top title on RAW is now with Seth Rollins. In what capacity and on what brand WWE brings Dragunov back bears watching.