Major WWE star potentially nearing return after 9 months out (Exclusive)

WWE currently has some stars who are on the shelf and haven't been seen on TV in a while. One of those talents is former NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov, who hasn't been seen on the company's programming in nine months. The 31-year-old has been away from the ring since suffering an ACL injury in September 2024.

Dragunov is a fan favorite, and many have been wondering when The Mad Dragon will return. During the latest edition of WrestleVotes Q&A on Sportskeeda Wrestling, WrestleVotes provided an update on the RAW Superstar's impending comeback.

The wrestling insider said that the former NXT Champion may be close to a return. He was seen at the WWE Performance Center about six weeks ago. Any wrestler who is seen at the facility amid their hiatus is nearing their comeback, and Dragunov's case may not be any different.

"Last I heard of him was about six weeks ago now. He was down at the PC. Don't know if he was doing anything inside the ring. I know he was there. Usually, that indicates things are getting closer, so maybe soon, but I can't say for sure," WrestleVotes said. [From 24:35 onwards]

Ilja Dragunov and Gunther had a storied rivalry in WWE NXT and produced some great matches together. With The Ring General now holding the top prize on RAW again, Dragunov could return and challenge his longtime rival, giving fans a glimpse of their remarkable chemistry.

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