Among many others PWInsider is reporting that Ilja Dragunov’s contract with WWE expired without being renewed. The confirmation of that seems to be that he was removed from the roster on WWE’s website. It’s a little bit surprising given he was a former NXT and former U.S. Title champion, but also not surprising since he hadn’t been on TV since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal this year. If his contract simply ran out he could show up in AEW/ROH or TNA almost immediately. If he’s not seen or heard from for 90 days, we’ll know that his contract wasn’t up, but he was granted a release along with a no-compete clause. At only 32 years old and in good health his future is bright. He could have several years on the indies tearing it up and making great money without even going to AEW or TNA.
Batista (Dave Bautista) has officially signed on to be Kratos in the God of War series.
Aaliyah Mysterio is confirmed to be signed with WWE, but what future plans they have for her as of right now are unknown. (FF)
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer refuted the contention from BG ‘Road Dogg’ James that he wasn’t hired by AEW for his conservative views: “There are many people in AEW that have conservative viewpoints and I have never heard of anyone not being hired by AEW based on political viewpoints in one direction or the other.” (WO)
WWE just filed a second trademark on “Giulia.” Their first attempt was September 2024. (FF)
Jerry “The King” Lawler has had a street in Memphis renamed in his honor.
Sami Zayn is dealing with a legitimate hand injury at the moment. (PWI)
