An AEW champion has praised Ilja Dragunov and is excited that he might get the chance to step in the ring with him for the first time in six years.
On August 20th, it was reported that Ilja Dragunov would be leaving WWE after deciding not to re-sign wth the promotion. The news immediately sparked speculation on what the former United States Champion would do next, with many believing it was likely his plan was to sign with AEW.
As Dragunov wound down his independent career after signing with WWE in 2019, he defeated AEW International Champion Kyle Fletcher in a singles match at PROGRESS Chapter 100 in December 2019. With the Mad Dragon now a free agent, Fletcher wants a chance to face him again.
During an interview on The Sportster, Fletcher praised Dragunov as someone who brought the same passion for pro wrestling as him in every match. While he thinks it’s too early to speculate, the Protostar admitted it “excites him very much” to think about a rematch.
“It feels way too early to speculate. For me, I think Ilja is incredible. He brings this raw passion that you don’t get very often in pro wrestling.
It’s something that I feel I have now gotten to a point where when I’m in the ring, I feel that passion, and when I get in there with someone else who has that same passion for pro wrestling, that’s where magic happens.
There’s been many people I’ve gotten in the ring that I have that feeling, and I know that Ilja is one of those people, and the thought of another match between us after everything that’s happened excites me very much.”
Tony Khan Addresses Signing Ilja Dragunov To AEW
Kyle Fletcher may get his wish, as Tony Khan recently hinted at Ilja Dragunov becoming All Elite. The AEW President said he thought Dragunov was an “excellent athlete” who he has a lot of respect for. While not wanting to comment on the star’s contractual status, Khan went on to say he will be “on the lookout” to see what happens with the Mad Dragon.
