WWE: Latest update on Ilja Dragunov's recovery from injury

Ilja Dragunov might soon make his WWE return

Former WWE NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov may return to the ring sooner rather than later. According to Fightful Select, Dragunov has been spotted in the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, preparing for his return.

According to the source, Ilja Dragunov came there to participate in traditional training rather than rehab for his ruptured ACL. He was also apparently not wearing any protective equipment for the injuries.

Ilja Dragunov is at the Performance Center training for his in-ring return.Dragunov tore his ACL about 4 months ago and at the time was projected to be out for 6 to 9 months.(via @FightfulSelect) pic.twitter.com/vyL2bqIDc6

— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 20, 2025

Ilja Dragunov suffered an injury at the end of September while doing a house show for a match against GUNTHER.

He sustained a probable torn ACL and was expected to be out of play for six to nine months. WWE shared a video on social media at the time showing Dragunov exiting the ring on his own, although he staggered up the ramp without placing weight on his right leg.

After beginning his wrestling career in Europe, Dragunov signed with WWE in 2019 to compete for the company’s NXT UK division. He won NXT UK’s championship in 2021 after defeating Noam Dar in a singles match, which helped catapult him to NXT in 2022.

Dragunov beat Carmelo Hayes in September 2023, winning the NXT Championship for the first time in his career. He was champion until April when he lost to Trick Williams in his final NXT bout.

After being promoted to Raw at the 2024 WWE Draft, Dragunov competed in the King of the Ring competition, defeating Ricochet in the first round before falling to Jey Uso in the quarterfinals.

Dragunov has seen some success in his early WWE career, but he has yet to compete in primetime events. Dragunov, 31, is still attempting to establish himself on the main WWE roster after his promotion, but a ruptured ACL will not help him. But, as he is soon rumored to make his return let’s hope for a crazy return by the Mad Dragon.

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