Report: More WWE Main Roster Contracts Expiring After Ilja Dragunov Departure

WWE

More WWE main roster talent’s contracts are reportedly due to be coming up after Ilja Dragunov’s departure from the company.

Earlier today (August 20) it was reported that Ilja Dragunov had departed WWE following the expiration of his contract, with the news being confirmed by WWE themselves when the former United States Champion was moved to the alumni section of the company’s roster page.

With more news still emerging regarding the Russian star’s exit, Bryan Alvarez has revealed that more WWE superstar’s contracts could be soon set to expire in October.

Speaking on Wrestling Observer Live, Alvarez said:

“I was told that there are a few other people that are currently on the main roster whose deals are coming up around October, and we might see more on their way out.”

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Discussing Dragunov’s departure, Alvarez noted that plans for his WWE return had been in the works back in June, but they clearly fell through given his departure:

“As recently as June I believe they were – I don’t know how close they were, it was kind of in the works that he was gonna be coming back – and I don’t know what happened but obviously everything fell through.”

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Ilja Dragunov joins a growing list of notable 2026 WWE departures, with names such as Sheamus, The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston), Aleister Black, Kairi Sane and The Wyatt Sicks all departing since April.

Unlike the latter four acts mentioned who were all released from their WWE contracts – Ilja Dragunov – much like Sheamus – shouldn’t have to serve any kind of non-compete period due to his contract coming to its natural end.

Which WWE Contracts Could Be Set To Expire?

We don’t yet know all of the main roster talent Bryan Alvarez is referencing with his latest report, however, we do know at least one notable top name who’s deal is due to be coming up in the near future: Bayley.

Bayley’s WWE contract has been reported to be coming up by the end of 2026, so she very well could be one of the names referenced by Alvarez.

‘The Role Model’ was written off WWE programming at Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 18, but she has been referenced by the woman who put her on the shelf: Lyra Valkyria.

There’s every chance we don’t see Bayley again on WWE TV if her deal is up soon and she’s decided to exit, so all fans can do is await news on her situation.

As for all other potential WWE departures, we will provide updates on any expiring contracts once more news becomes available, as well as further news regarding the future of Ilja Dragunov.

For a look at which wrestlers Dragunov could potentially cross paths with in his first post-WWE match, follow this link here.

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