What Happened To Ilja Dragunov? Who is Ilja Dragunov?
by Priyanka P
Updated Dec 20, 2023
What Happened to Ilja Dragunov?
Ilja Dragunov is a Russian professional wrestler who currently competes in WWE. In July 2022, he had to give up the NXT United Kingdom Championship due to a real-life injury. After recovering, he returned to action in September 2022 on the NXT brand. Dragunov quickly made an impact and, on September 30, 2022, he defeated Carmelo Hayes to become the NXT Champion.
Since then, he has successfully defended his title against various challengers, showcasing his resilience and skill in the ring. Despite facing setbacks, Dragunov's recent success highlights his determination and the support he has from the WWE Universe.
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Who is Ilja Dragunov?
Ilja Dragunov is a Russian professional wrestler known for his performances in WWE. Born on October 10, 1993, in Moscow, Russia, he migrated to Berlin, Germany, at the age of five. Before entering wrestling, Dragunov worked various jobs to support his family. He began his wrestling career in 2012, training at the German Wrestling Federation and later joining Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw).
Dragunov signed with WWE in 2019, initially performing in NXT UK. He gained prominence for his intense style and notable matches, including a rivalry with Walter. In September 2022, he returned from an injury and won the NXT Championship, becoming a key figure in WWE's professional wrestling landscape. Dragunov is recognized for his resilience, talent, and contributions to the world of sports entertainment.
Full Name
Ilya Rukober
Ring Name(s)
Davey American, Ilja Dragunov
Date of Birth
October 10, 1993
Age
30 years
Place of Birth
Moscow, Russia
Debut
April 21, 2012
Billed Height
5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
Ilja Dragunov Early Life
Ilja Dragunov, born on October 10, 1993, is a Russian professional wrestler with a compelling early life story. Originally from Moscow, Russia, Dragunov and his mother relocated to Berlin, Germany, when he was just five years old. Notably, neither he nor his mother spoke the German language upon their arrival.
Before embarking on his wrestling journey, Dragunov took on various jobs at a young age to support his family, including working at a pizza parlor and a gas station. His early life experiences shaped his resilience and work ethic, providing a foundation for his later success in the world of professional wrestling. These early challenges and diverse experiences contribute to the unique story of Ilja Dragunov's life and career.
Ilja Dragunov Career
Ilja Dragunov's wrestling career is marked by determination and success. Born on October 10, 1993, in Moscow, Russia, Dragunov began training at the German Wrestling Federation in 2012 under experienced wrestlers Axel Tischer and Rick Baxxter. He made his in-ring debut that same year and later became a regular with Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw).
In 2019, Dragunov signed with WWE and debuted in NXT UK. His fierce wrestling style and notable matches, including a rivalry with Walter, garnered attention. Despite facing a setback due to injury, Dragunov returned in 2022, winning the NXT Championship in September.
Throughout his career, Dragunov has showcased resilience, skill, and a unique intensity that has endeared him to fans, making him a notable figure in the world of professional wrestling.
Ilja Dragunov Accomplishments
Ilja Dragunov has achieved significant accomplishments in his wrestling career. Born on October 10, 1993, in Moscow, Russia, Dragunov became a notable figure in the professional wrestling world. He earned recognition for his intense and passionate style, leading to success both in Europe and with WWE.
Some of his notable achievements include winning championships in Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), such as the wXw Unified World Wrestling Championship, wXw World Tag Team Championship (three times), and the wXw Shotgun Championship (two times). Dragunov's skills and contributions were acknowledged by Pro Wrestling Illustrated, where he was ranked No. 72 in the top 500 singles wrestlers in 2022.
Additionally, he clinched the prestigious NXT Championship in WWE, showcasing his resilience and talent on a global stage. These accomplishments highlight Dragunov's impact and success in the competitive world of professional wrestling.
Ilja Dragunov Age
Ilja Dragunov is 28 years old. Born in Moscow, Russia, Dragunov has pursued a successful career in professional wrestling. Despite his relatively young age, he has garnered attention for his intense and passionate wrestling style. Throughout his career, Dragunov has showcased resilience, skill, and a unique intensity that has endeared him to fans, making him a notable figure in the world of professional wrestling.
As he continues to evolve in his career, his age reflects the achievements and experiences he has accumulated in the competitive and dynamic realm of sports entertainment.
Ilja Dragunov Net Worth
Ilja Dragunov, the Russian WWE superstar, possesses an estimated net worth of around $5 million as of 2023. Born on October 10, 1993, Dragunov entered the wrestling scene in May 2019, debuting in NXT UK. Before joining WWE, he garnered recognition in the European independent wrestling circuit.
His annual salary, reflecting his status as a top wrestling star, is approximately $200,000. Beyond his in-ring earnings, Dragunov has expanded his income by featuring in WWE video games, such as WWE 2K22 and 2K23.
Known for keeping his personal life private, Dragunov got married on December 17, 2021. While details about his wife and marriage are relatively undisclosed, his net worth mirrors both his success in wrestling and strategic business ventures.
What Happened To Ilja Dragunov- FAQs
Ilja Dragunov relinquished the NXT UK Championship in July 2022 due to injury but returned in September, winning the NXT Championship in 2022.
Ilja Dragunov is a Russian professional wrestler signed with WWE, known for his time in NXT and NXT UK, and he is the current NXT Champion.
Ilja Dragunov's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2023.
Ilja Dragunov made his WWE debut on NXT UK on May 15, 2019, and has since become a prominent figure in the wrestling industry.
Ilja Dragunov has won the NXT Championship and the NXT United Kingdom Championship during his wrestling career.