After months on the sidelines, former NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov is reportedly close to making his highly anticipated return to WWE programming. The German powerhouse has been recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last September during a live event, and recent updates suggest he is cleared medically and preparing for a comeback.
The Injury That Halted a Rising Star
Ilja Dragunov suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on September 28, 2024, at a WWE house show in Columbus, Georgia. The injury occurred just as he was gaining significant momentum on the main roster’s Raw brand, having recently been elevated from NXT where he was a fan favorite and a former champion. At the time, Dragunov had notable wins over established stars like Ricochet and was gearing up for major storylines, including potential feuds with The Judgment Day faction.
This ACL injury was a major setback and forced him out of in-ring competition for what was initially expected to be six to nine months. WWE announced the timeline publicly, acknowledging the severity of the injury and the recovery period typically required for such knee traumas[1][3].
Back in Training and Cleared to Compete
Throughout early 2025, Dragunov’s rehab progressed well. He was seen training at the WWE Performance Center without any knee support gear, indicating a strong recovery. Behind the scenes, WWE’s medical team fully cleared him to return to in-ring action. According to multiple reports, including the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and insider sources like Dave Scherer of PWInsider, Dragunov is either very close to or already at 100% fitness concerning his knee[2][3][4].
Sources close to WWE have said that while physical clearance is a major milestone, the company is carefully choosing the perfect moment and storyline to reintroduce Dragunov. A WWE insider commented, “They want Ilja’s return to feel impactful, not rushed. He’s a unique talent with a passionate fanbase, so WWE’s creative team is carefully plotting how to integrate him back onto Raw for maximum effect”[4].
What Could Dragunov’s Return Look Like?
Ilja Dragunov’s final match before injury featured a brutal encounter against Gunther, his longtime rival. The injury angle has been partially woven into storylines, as Gunther himself was taken off TV after SummerSlam with WWE announcing he is out indefinitely. This narrative thread leaves a tantalizing setup for a heated rivalry revival once Dragunov is fully back.
Fans and insiders speculate that Dragunov’s return could reignite the intense feud with Gunther, potentially headlining mid-card or even main event storylines on Raw. His character—the fiery and relentless “Mad Dragon”—fits well with WWE’s emphasis on intense, character-driven rivalries.
Timing of the Return: A Matter of Strategic Planning
While medically ready, the exact date of Dragunov’s return is still uncertain. Wrestling journalist Cory Hays tweeted that Dragunov’s name has been mentioned in creative discussions, but a debut in the “next few weeks” remains unlikely[5]. Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline echoed that WWE is “waiting for the right time” to bring him back, emphasizing the company’s methodical approach with one of its most hard-hitting performers[5].
This strategy aligns with WWE’s recent pattern of carefully calibrated returns that avoid rushing top talents back too quickly after injury. Given the severity of Dragunov’s ACL tear, such prudence is understandable and serves to protect long-term health and narrative impact.
Fan Anticipation and Future Prospects
Ilja Dragunov has been a fan favorite since his days in NXT, renowned for his intense style and emotional intensity in the ring. His ACL injury was met with concern among wrestling fans, many of whom have eagerly awaited news of his comeback.
With WWE’s blend of storyline-driven booking and focus on athletic authenticity, Dragunov’s return is poised to inject fresh energy into Raw’s roster. Whether he targets championship gold or engages in a high-stakes personal feud, one thing is clear: the German brawler’s reemergence will be a key highlight of WWE’s fall season.
Backstage Insight
According to a WWE insider, “Ilja’s work ethic and drive have impressed everyone backstage. His rehab was intense, and he’s now wrestling at full throttle in training. Creative is excited to give him a platform where he can shine once again. The hope is that when he returns, it’s not just a comeback — it’s a statement.”
In summary, Ilja Dragunov is medically cleared and preparing for his WWE in-ring return after an ACL tear sidelined him for nearly a year. WWE is holding off on his television debut until they find the right story to make a memorable impact. Fans should expect to see the “Mad Dragon” back on Raw in the coming weeks or months, ready to rekindle rivalries and pursue new goals at the highest level.