A new report from Dave Scherer of PWInsider indicates Ilja Dragunov is either medically cleared or close to 100 percent following the torn ACL he suffered last year. The update suggests the former NXT Champion could be nearing a return to the ring.
“I have heard that he (Ilja Dragunov) is either close to 100 percent from his knee injury or is already cleared,” Scherer stated. “Hopefully he will be back soon.”
The PWInsider report aligns with other information from late August which confirmed Dragunov has been medically cleared. However, WWE is reportedly waiting for the right creative storyline on the Raw brand to ensure his return is impactful.
Dragunov has been out of action for nearly a year after tearing his ACL on September 28, 2024, during a live event match against Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. He has been training at the WWE Performance Center for months in preparation for his comeback.
Internal discussions within WWE have reportedly targeted a September 2025 return, which would mark almost exactly one year since the injury occurred. At the time he was sidelined, Dragunov was just beginning to establish himself on Raw following the 2024 draft and a strong showing in the King of the Ring tournament.