Ilja Dragunov: ‘When I Came Into AEW, I Promised That The Landscape Is About To Change. Why? Because I Am Here’

Ilja Dragunov comments following his AEW National Championship win.

At AEW Full Gear 2026, Ilja Dragunov defeated Tommaso Ciampa to become the new National Champion. This was Dragunov’s first title victory in AEW.

In a digital exclusive posted by AEW on social media, Dragunov said the following.

“No tree can grow high into the sky unless the roots are growing so deep that they can reach hell. What Carl Young said so beautifully and poetically, I’m about to break down. When I came into AEW, I promised that the landscape is about to change. Why? Because I am here. Because I am here, and I’m willing to take all the pain in the world because I can endure all the pain as long as it has a reason. Today, it had one. There was a reason why my arm is nearly broken. There’s a reason why I’m completely punished and I’m barely able to stand here. But I do, I stand here strong as the king of my own category with a will burning like fire. I’m standing here, Unbesiegbar, you National Champion, Ilja Dragunov.”

“When I came into AEW, I promised that the landscape is about to change. Why? Because I am here!”

EXCLUSIVE: After a spectacular battle at #AEWFullGear, @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR is your NEW AEW National Champion! pic.twitter.com/uuhkJ0k8z7

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) November 15, 2026

Fans can catch up with AEW Full Gear by clicking here.

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