Ilja Dragunov says WWE's offer to keep him was not satisfying

[GradientKnight]

Ilja Dragunov has explained why he left WWE for AEW. Wrestling Inc's Daisy Ruth reports that Dragunov told The Ariel Helwani Show that WWE did not intend to let him go when his contract expired in August, but there was nothing he felt satisfying in their offer

Dragunov said he left because of creative direction, a changing landscape in wrestling, and a wish to try something new after spending most of his twenties in WWE. He last wrestled in April and was unhappy with his position on the roster

He declined to say whether WWE asked him to take a pay cut, which reportedly happened with other recent AEW signings Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed. His answers were careful and respectful towards his former employer

Dragunov debuted at AEW WrestleDream, as we discussed, and makes his in ring television debut on Dynamite on Wednesday 21 October. That match was due to air after this article was published, so results will follow separately

Dragunov is a performer who thrives with creative freedom, and AEW should give him plenty of that. His intensity and hard hitting style could make him a top name quickly. It is a big loss for WWE

Did WWE make a mistake letting Dragunov go? And who should he face in AEW?

Ilja Dragunov Talks WWE Departure, Says Their Offer To Retain Him Wasnwww.wrestlinginc.com

[RatedDanny86]

Kofi and Austin Creed going to AEW too shows a pattern. Experienced names are leaving WWE. AEW is benefiting. Experienced names arriving makes AEW's roster deeper than ever

[Diana63]

Creative direction is the reason most wrestlers give. Money matters, but feeling valued matters more. Dragunov wanted to be used properly

AEW should give him that. Feeling valued keeps people loyal in any job. WWE missed that here