‘Holy Crap’ – WWE Star ‘Very Sad’ About Ilja Dragunov Departure

WWE

AJ Styles has shared his thoughts on the WWE departure of Ilja Dragunov, noting that he’s “very sad” about the situation.

Following PWInsider’s report on August 20 that Ilja Dragunov had finished up with WWE following his contract expiring, WWE moved the former US Champion’s profile to the alumni section of its roster page, confirming his exit.

Speaking on the AJ Styles Show, the Phenomenal One noted that he’s “very sad” about Dragunov’s departure, exclaiming “holy crap” when discussing the situation.

When asked what he knows about it all, Styles said:

“I know that I’m very sad about the situation. I enjoy his work very much. I don’t know what’s going on, I can’t say much about it.

“You’d think I’d know, I work for the company, but my place is in the coaching and the talent and little things to hopefully help make WWE better and build that foundation with younger talent.

“I don’t know what’s going on, I just know, ‘Holy crap.’ That’s about all I know.”

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When co-host Tony Giles highlighted Dragunov’s hard-hitting style, AJ Styles responded:

“It seems like those are all the things that we want. We’re going to have to wait and see what he says about the situation when he’s able to talk about it, then we’ll all know the truth. I’ll be the first one to tell you, I thought the guy was awesome.”

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Dave Meltzer reported in last week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Dragunov was signed to a “very good contract”, and in negotiations for a new deal, he and WWE were “far enough apart” that the company made the decision to not use him on TV beyond April.

Ilja Dragunov last wrestled in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 17 edition of SmackDown before WrestleMania 42. His last singles match saw him unsuccessfully challenge for Carmelo Hayes’ US Championship on the March 20 episode.

There has been a lot of speculation about Ilja Dragunov’s next move, and if recent social reactions are anything to go by, the “Mad Russian” will likely be spoiled for choice when it comes to companies wanting to work with him.

A current champion has teased shaving his head for a match against Dragunov, click here to read more.

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• wwe
• AJ Styles
• Ilja Dragunov
• departure

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