Why Ilja Dragunov Disappeared From WWE TV Following WrestleMania 42

It emerged over the last couple of days that former NXT and United States Champion Ilja Dragunov would be departing WWE upon the expiration of his contract, with this being a decision that has come from him rather than WWE opting to let his contract expire. Reports suggested that WWE wanted to keep Dragunov in the company, but ultimately he decided to leave. More has been learned on exactly where Dragunov has been over the last few months.

Dragunov has been off WWE TV since all the way back in April, and despite reports of WWE wanting to keep him in the company, he has not been booked in months. According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, both sides were in negotiations about a new deal in April, but they were far apart on terms. A similar story bodes true for the likes of The New Day, where it was reported that WWE offered a 50% pay cut which was rejected around this time period. When it comes to Dragunov, WWE didn’t think he was worth the money.

It is noted in this report that WWE concluded he was a great worker but ‘not a numbers mover’, and that the amount of money he was receiving on his previous deal was too much for someone who isn’t considered a draw. It was also reported over the last couple days that WWE were negotiating with Dragunov as recently as June.