Ilja Dragunov: If I Feel The Air In A Certain Environment Gets Thinner, I Need To Breathe

Ilja Dragunov became All Elite at AEW WrestleDream, announced as the newest signing to AEW after a teaser for his arrival aired on Dynamite.

Dragunov departed WWE in August after not wrestling since April.

Speaking at the WrestleDream press conference, Behind The Ropes asked Ilja about his decision to join AEW.

“I’ve been doing this for almost 14 years, and I’ve been through a lot of phases when it comes down to my indie career and pro wrestling career in general. I’ve traveled to places and been under contract. I’ve never had the chance where I didn’t feel like I can’t bet on myself. If I feel that this chance is limited, then it gets more limited. Then, I feel like I’m getting stuck somewhere. Not because of external factors, just feeling stuck in general, because I have this urge to fight. I love to fight and I want to compete and I want to step up. If I feel that the air in a certain environment gets thinner for me, I need to breathe. That’s what I did today, here. If I need a place to breathe new, fresh air, see a new landscape, and see what the world can offer me to satisfy this hunger for competition,” he said.

Fans can find Tony Khan’s comments on Ilja’s arrival by clicking here.

Fans can find results from WrestleDream by clicking here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review here.

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