Published: 1 hour ago by Dave Adamson | Last Updated: 13 hours ago by Dave Adamson
Dave has been a website writer for WrestleTalk since October 2022, having previously written for Den of Geek, among a number of wrestling, movie and television-related sites. Dave has been around the independent wrestling scene for more than a decade, including behind-the-scenes.
WWE/AEW
Ilja Dragunov is set to make his AEW debut at WrestleDream on October 17, marking a much-anticipated moment on the stacked card.
In August of this year, it was confirmed that Ilja Dragunov had parted ways with WWE after his contract expired, bringing an end to a tenure that started in 2019.
A former United States Champion and NXT Champion, Dragunov’s last WWE appearance saw him compete in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal back in April, on the SmackDown before WrestleMania 42.
Following recent teases of an AEW debut, WrestleDream appears to be the show on which the former WWE star will debut, with options for his first appearance:
The AEW WrestleDream card
Just a quick glance at the AEW WrestleDream card reveals multiple ways that Ilja Dragunov could make his debut.
It’s unlikely that his presence will emerge on the pre-show, which sees FTR vs. Motor City Machine Guns kick off a ‘Best of 5’ series, while Divine Dominion take on Sisters of Sin.
When it comes to maximum impact, it’s likely Dragunov will appear during (or shortly after) a title match, with the AEW Continental, World Trios, National and World Championships all on the line across the October 17 pay-per-view.
Dragunov hasn’t been confirmed as an in-ring competitor at WrestleDream, and all competitors have been confirmed, including those for the Clockwork Carnage match that sees Will Ospreay defend the World Championship. Short of a “taken out backstage” angle, it’s unlikely he’ll be replacing anyone on the card.
Two stars eyeing the debuting name
In comments made back in late August, Kyle Fletcher shared a hope that he could face Dragunov again, reflecting on their shared passion for their craft. Speaking to Sports Illustrated’s The TakeDown, Ospreay would note that he has never faced the star, but believed they could “main event any show anywhere in the world”.
Going back to that WrestleDream card, and with the right build coming out of the show, it’s easy to see Dragunov feuding with either star, leading to a pay-per-view.
Keep him independent of factions
Dragunov would make him a perfect fit for a faction such as DeathRiders, though it would be arguably more fulfilling to seem him feud with the likes of Jon Moxley or Gabe Kidd, just for a blend of the intensity that the ‘Mad Dragon’ brings to the ring.
It’s the same case with the Don Callis Family and United Empire; Dragunov could be a fit, but there’s more to be made of rivalry than membership, particularly in the opening months of his run.
An AEW champion in the making
Not just because he’s a former WWE star, but simply because of the uniqueness with which Dragunov dispenses his craft, it’s easy to see the star capture his first AEW championship shortly after his debut.
It’s unlikely to be the AEW World Championship, particularly since Will Ospreay only claimed it in August, but that shouldn’t stop Tony Khan from having his new acquisition make it clear that the top title is in the star’s sights.
Indeed, the possibility that Dragunov appears and makes it clear he is coming for all the gold has a intrigue of its own, particularly if he doesn’t make it clear who his first target will be. It’s a variation on the “putting the locker room on notice” trope, but could deliver in the long run, with the debuting star disrupting ongoing feuds.
The face-off at WrestleDream
There’s a certain power to a face-off in the final moments of WrestleDream, a show that will likely see Clockwork Carnage as the main event.
Not only is that match seeing its first-ever outing at AEW WrestleDream, but Will Ospreay will be defending his World Championship against seven other stars.
Assuming Ospreay is victorious, he’s going to have gone through quite the trial, particularly with the last fifteen minutes seeing a winner crowned based on most falls. Worn, beaten down and bruised, the sight of Ospreay with the AEW World Championship being confronted by Dragunov would be an image that should resonate with fans for years to come.
The redemption of Dragunov
Despite being a former United States Champion, Dragunov wasn’t able to secure a top title during his time on the main roster in WWE.
It’s a shame that the opportunity didn’t emerge, but this is where AEW can capitalize on a star who is unlike the vast majority of others on the roster, yet a perfect fit for the company has to offer.
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