AEW International Champion Kyle Fletcher has expressed interest in facing Ilja Dragunov again following the former WWE star’s recent departure from the company.
Ilja Dragunov became a free agent after his WWE contract expired, having been absent from television since April 2026. His departure has already sparked speculation about where he could wrestle next, with Fletcher among those reacting to the news.
Shortly after Dragunov’s WWE exit, Kyle Fletcher posted a photograph from their previous encounter in PROGRESS Wrestling in 2019, seemingly teasing the possibility of the two eventually meeting again. Speaking with The Sportster, Fletcher was subsequently asked about the prospect of another match with Dragunov.
Kyle Fletcher Excited By Potential Ilja Dragunov Rematch
The reigning AEW International Champion made clear that he would welcome the opportunity to share the ring with Ilja Dragunov again.
“There’s been many people I’ve got in the ring that I have that feeling,” Fletcher said. “And I know that Ilja is one of those people.”
Kyle Fletcher added that the changes both men have experienced since their first encounter make another match particularly appealing.
“And the thought of another match between us after everything that’s happened excites me very much.”
Fletcher and Dragunov’s previous meeting took place seven years ago, before either man reached their current level of prominence. Fletcher has since established himself in AEW and currently holds the International Championship, while Dragunov went on to enjoy championship success during his time with WWE.
With Dragunov now available following the expiration of his contract, Fletcher’s comments have added another potential match to the speculation surrounding the former WWE star’s future.
There is currently no confirmation that Dragunov is heading to AEW, but Fletcher has made it clear that if their paths cross again, he would be interested in running back their 2019 encounter.
