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Long-Time Injured WWE Star Close To In-Ring Return

WWE logo over blurred Ilja Dragunov Bron Breakker

A popular WWE star will soon be back in action.

Ilja Dragunov has been out of action since suffering a torn ACL in a house show match against Gunther back in September 2024, but he’s been training relentlessly for a comeback.

The Russian star had only been part of the main roster on Monday Night Raw for a matter of months before injury struck. However, there’s been some good news on the star’s status.

As noted by PWInsider, Dragunov has either been cleared by medical staff or is very close to being cleared as he prepares to get back in the ring.

“I have heard that he (Ilja Dragunov) is either close to 100 percent from his knee injury or is already cleared. Hopefully, he will be back soon.”

Ilja Dragunov signed with WWE and went on to become NXT UK Champion, and NXT Champion before being called up.

Why WWE Is Reluctant To Use Injured Stars On TV

Meanwhile, a new report has explained why WWE has steered away from using injured Superstars on television.

As noted in the report, the company now typically freezes talent contracts when they’re facing longer-term injuries. This freeze allows WWE to extend talent contracts by the amount of time missed through injury.

This, in turn, means that if those injured talents appeared, even in non-wrestling roles, their contracts would again become active.

The report comes after Kevin Owens recently admitted that he still doesn’t know whether he’ll ever wrestle again. The former World Champion is currently recovering after undergoing major neck surgery.

Meanwhile, WWE is hoping to have fellow long-term absentee Liv Morgan back in early 2026, barring any setbacks.