Ilja Dragunov has been medically cleared by WWE to make his in-ring return, according to a recent report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The WWE creative team is now reportedly working to integrate him back into storylines at the appropriate time. Cory Hays of Bodyslam also confirmed that Dragunov is being prepared for a return, noting that it may still be a few weeks away.
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Dragunov has been out of action since tearing his ACL at a WWE live event in September 2024. The injury occurred during a match against his long-term rival, Gunther, and was officially announced on the September 30, 2024, episode of RAW. The initial prognosis for his recovery was estimated at six to nine months.
Before the injury, Dragunov was drafted to Raw following his main roster call-up after WrestleMania 40. He was building momentum in feuds with competitors such as Ricochet and Bron Breakker. Dragunov was seen at the WWE Performance Center in January to begin rehabilitating his injury and has been training for his return since.
A potential storyline for Dragunov could involve Gunther, given their history and the circumstances of the injury. However, Gunther was recently written off television following SummerSlam, with WWE announcing that the former World Heavyweight Champion is out indefinitely. There has also been speculation that Dragunov could return at the upcoming Clash in Paris on August 31.
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