WWE's Backstage Reaction To Ilja Dragunov Jumping Ship Revealed (AEW News)
Triple H didn't want to lose Ilja Dragunov, but how has the WWE > AEW jump really gone down?
WrestleVotes is reporting that there are no hard feelings towards Ilja Dragunov following his departure from WWE and debut in AEW at this past weekend's WrestleDream pay-per-view.
Interestingly, the WrestleVotes Q&A did suggest that Triple H wanted to keep the talented worker around, but Dragunov decided to leave because he didn't like the offer that was put on the table in front of him. So, he's officially #AllElite and has already said he's looking forward to numerous bouts on Tony Khan's watch.
Rather definitively, the report coming in is as follows: "Everyone in WWE [who's] friends with him"? "Happy".
There's no ill will towards Ilja for doing his own thing or looking after his own happiness. Continuing, WrestleVotes heard this from similar sources inside WWE: "There is no animosity when it comes to talent leaving and going to get their bag".
WWE staff/talent held the same sort of attitude when veteran star Sheamus left the company seeking fresh pastures and new challenges.
Dragunov's contract with the market leader lapsed in August, but visa issues threatened to postpone his AEW move. Thankfully, Ilja, Khan and everyone else involved managed to get those sorted out as soon as possible, and the talented wrestler is raring to go.
WrestleVotes has confirmed that Triple H, whilst keen to keep hold of Dragunov, doesn't feel betrayed by his decision. Once it became clear that Ilja was moving on, WWE decided to do the same. There'd be no sense in having an unhappy camper on the roster just for the sake of it.