Ilja Dragunov’s AEW debut took place at the last minute.
During a press conference after AEW WrestleDream 2026, Tony Khan revisited the arrangements surrounding Dragunov’s debut. He stated that it was only on October 14, 2026, during AEW Dynamite, that he learned Dragunov would be available for WrestleDream.
Indeed, Khan confirms that Dragunov had joined AEW right after his contract with WWE expired. They decided to shoot teaser videos and keep them in reserve while awaiting Dragunov’s visa approval.
It was ultimately during AEW Dynamite that Dragunov texted Tony Khan to share the good news that he had received his visa. Tony Khan immediately decided to air the first teaser video of Dragunov during the ongoing show.
The two men agreed to arrange his AEW WrestleDream debut at that moment, four days before the PPV. Tony Khan thanked Dragunov and the immigration team for moving the process forward quickly.
