8 AEW Dream Opponents For Ilja Dragunov After WWE Departure

WWE

On August 20, the wrestling world was shocked to learn that Ilja Dragunov was leaving WWE after his contract expired.

After several months on the sidelines, Dragunov will be looking to revive his career outside of WWE now.

As soon as the news broke, many fans started to speculate the opportunity for “The Mad Dragon” to sign with All Elite Wrestling and all the possible dream matches that could offer.

Here are eight potential AEW dream opponents for Ilja Dragunov.

8. Kyle Fletcher

Since arriving in All Elite Wrestling in 2023, Kyle Fletcher has emerged as one of the rising stars on the roster today.

“The Protostar” is now a two-time TNT Champion and the current AEW International Champion.

Proving himself with a litany of classic matches against the likes of Will Ospreay, Mark Briscoe and Speedball Mike Bailey, Fletcher has established himself as someone who will be a top stars for AEW for years to come.

Following his social media post with a picture of the two men battling in 2019, Fletcher feels like someone who will be chomping at the bit to face Ilja Dragunov if he were to sign with the promotion.

7. Konosuke Takeshita

Another AEW star who has cemented his name as one of the best in the world is Konosuke Takeshita.

“The Alpha” has developed an amazing catalog of matches and is a former two-time AEW International Champion.

Outside of All Elite Wrestling, Takeshita has also won the G1 Climax tournament and is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

If Ilja Dragunov signs with AEW, Takeshita should be one of the first major stars to face off with “The Mad Dragon” in the company.

6. Speedball Mike Bailey

Signing with All Elite Wrestling in 2025, it did not take long for Speedball Mike Bailey to become one of the best in-ring workers in the promotion.

From Kyle Fletcher to Kazuchika Okada, Bailey has faced a who’s who of AEW stars over the past year.

Speedball has everything it takes to take on the best that the company has to offer.

Ilja Dragunov probably could not find a more versatile performer to step in the squared circle with on the AEW roster quite like Speedball Mike Bailey.

5. Swerve Strickland

There is no doubt that Swerve Strickland is one of the biggest names on the AEW roster today.

Over his four-year run with All Elite Wrestling, Strickland is a former AEW World Champion and is one half of one of the company’s greatest rivalries with “Hangman” Adam Page.

“The Most Dangerous Man in AEW” feels like someone who could have an intense battle against Ilja Dragunov if he were to join the promotion.

Swerve battling Dragunov has all the makings of a memorable battle that would turn a lot of heads.

4. Jon Moxley

Jon Moxley has clearly been the most active in-ring performer on the AEW roster right now.

The current AEW Continental Champion has almost been competing on a weekly basis in 2026.

Looking at his activity throughout this year, it feels very similar to the kind of schedule Ilja Dragunov was working as WWE United States Champion last year.

Walking into AEW, Dragunov could become the newest rival for Moxley that helps introduce him to the company.

3. Darby Allin

Looking at the AEW roster, Darby Allin might be the most ideal opponent for someone like Ilja Dragunov.

“The Mad Dragon” has become known for saying “let my pain entertain you” before his big matches.

One person who is no stranger to pain is Darby Allin, who is often seen taking some insane amounts of punishment from his opponents.

In what feels like wrestling soulmates clashing, Dragunov and Allin could deliver something truly special in an AEW ring if given the opportunity.

2. Will Ospreay

When speaking about the best wrestlers in the world, the conversation usually starts and stops with Will Ospreay.

“The Aerial Assassin” is now on the cusp of the biggest match of his career when he challenges Kenny Omega for the AEW World Title at All In London 2026.

Despite both men making their names on the European independent scene, Ospreay and Dragunov have never had a singles match in a major promotion.

If he is to sign with All Elite Wrestling, Dragunov challenging Ospreay for the AEW World Title has pay-per-view main event written all over it.

1. Kenny Omega

There is no one on the AEW roster who has praised Ilja Dragunov more than Kenny Omega.

“The Cleaner” has heaped compliments upon Dragunov for his spectacular in-ring work and classic matches with the likes of GUNTHER in WWE.

With Dragunov leaving WWE, it was Omega who immediately took to social media to post a picture of himself with a crazed and excited look on his face from AEW Dynamite.

Now on the cusp of the dream match he has wanted for so long, Omega feels like he will be at the front of the line to face Dragunov if he does join the company sometime soon.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

• AEW
• wwe
• Ilja Dragunov

Share this article with friends