Rematches for Ilja Dragunov in AEW: Three stars who the Mad Dragon faced in other promotions prior to his WrestleDream debut

WWE

Ilja Dragunov is officially All Elite, with the former WWE US Champion making his AEW debut at WrestleDream on October 17.

Following Renee Paquette introducing himas the newest member of All Elite Wrestling, Dragunov made his entrance to a huge ovation from the crowd, with Nigel McGuinness calling him one of the most violent and dangerous men to ever walk the Earth.

During the post-show media scrum, Tony Khan confirmed that Dragunov will make his AEW in-ring debut on the October 21 Dynamite episode, fuelling speculation about his first feud in the company.

Ilja Dragunov has actually shared the ring with a number of stars currently signed to AEW, so there are several rematches the company could book to build upon previously established history.

Here are three stars who could be set for rematches against Ilja Dragunov, having previously faced him in other promotions.

Claudio Castagnoli

Claudio Castagnoli and Ilja Dragunov have faced off once before, at WWE NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff on August 31, 2019.

“Cesaro” picked up the victory on this occasion, pinning Dragunov after 12 minutes of action during the latter star’s time on WWE’s UK-based developmental brand.

A lot has happened in the years since, with Castagnoli becoming a decorated star in AEW, and Dragunov going on to have runs on the US-based NXT brand and main roster, notably having reigns with NXT UK, NXT and WWE US titles.

This rematch feels somewhat inevitable, with both stars building their reputations as cutthroat in-ring technicians.

Mike Bailey

Dragunov and Mike Bailey’s only singles encounter took place over ten years ago, during the March 11, 2016 wXw 16 Carat Gold event.

The Mad Russian was victorious, putting “Speedball” away in under nine minutes in the first round of that year’s 16 Carat Gold Tournament.

Both stars have built their reputations as well-respected ring generals in the decade since, with Mike Bailey currently receiving major opportunities in AEW.

Following Bailey competing in the AEW World Championship Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream, it would feel like a full-circle moment to see him welcome Dragunov into the company, whether that be with a handshake or a kick.

Kyle Fletcher

With rumors swirling about Ilja Dragunov potentially becoming All Elite over the summer, Kyle Fletcher publicly expressed interest in battling his former foe once again, noting that the idea of a rematch excited him.

Prior to these comments, Fletcher had shared a throwback photo to his one and only singles match against the Mad Russian, at the December 30, 2019 PROGRESS Wrestling Chapter 100 event.

The two stars have shared the ring on several other occasions, with Dragunov & WALTER (WWE’s GUNTHER) trading the wXw World Tag Team Championship in their series of matches in 2019.

With Fletcher and Dragunov last facing off in the PROGRESS World Championship four-way elimination match at Chapter 101 in January 2020, it’d be interesting to see what both stars could do in the ring together, almost seven years later.

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• AEW
• Ilja Dragunov
• rematch
• WrestleDream

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