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Rumor Roundup (Sept. 19, 2026): Ilja Dragunov in AEW, Roman Reigns plan, WWE/TNA partnership, more!

Live coverage and related reports for Rumor Roundup (Sept. 19, 2026): Ilja Dragunov in AEW, Roman Reigns plan, WWE/TNA partnership, more!.

AI Story Summary

What happened?

Multiple outlets report that Ilja Dragunov is expected to join AEW, with sources saying he should be starting very soon. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter and Fightful Select are reporting the deal and AEW preparing debut materials while his visa is being sorted. The piece also notes the AEW roster picture and that other unrelated rumors — including items about Roman Reigns and a possible WWE/TNA partnership — are circulating but not detailed here.

Key Takeaways

  • Reports claim Ilja Dragunov has signed with AEW and is expected to debut soon.
  • Fightful Select says AEW is preparing debut materials and working on Dragunov's visa.
  • WON (Dave Meltzer) indicates this was apparent as of August.
  • AEW's roster is crowded, but Dragunov is viewed as a strong addition.
  • Other rumors (Roman Reigns plans, WWE/TNA partnership) are being discussed but not confirmed in this report.

AI Timeline

August 2026

Reports and observers indicated it was likely Ilja Dragunov would be joining AEW.

Sept. 19, 2026

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported AEW has signed Ilja Dragunov and that he should be starting very soon.

Sept. 19, 2026

Fightful Select reported AEW is preparing debut materials for Dragunov and is sorting out his visa.

Sept. 19, 2026

Other outlets like PW Insider reiterated various related rumors; additional topics such as Roman Reigns plans and a possible WWE/TNA partnership were mentioned as floating stories.

Model: gpt-5-mini•Generated: Sep 19, 5:16 AM

Sources Covering This Story

Cageside Seats

Timeline

Sep 19, 5:00 AM

Rumor Roundup (Sept. 19, 2026): Ilja Dragunov in AEW, Roman Reigns plan, WWE/TNA partnership, more!

Cageside Seats • AEW

We made it to the weekend, let’s celebrate with rumors. Lead Rumor: Ilja Dragunov signs with AEW Well, it was only a matter of time, huh? The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is now outright saying AEW has indeed signed Ilja Dragunov and he “should be starting very soon.” Dave Meltzer noted these deals often take weeks to put together and it was “apparent in August” that he was going to be coming in. This was an expectation per prior reports from the likes of Fightful, but the WON is saying it’s done. Fightful Select has chimed in with more to say that AEW has further confirmed the signing by continuing to work on materials for his debut, like graphics and what not. They’re also “sorting out his visa situation.” There isn’t much room on the AEW roster, and it just keeps getting bigger, but Dragunov is an immensely talented wrestler who deserves a spot on television, no matter what company is giving it to him. Here we go! Other rumors floating around PW Insider reiterated word from elsewhe

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