Will Ospreay Addresses Ilja Dragunov Joining AEW

Will Ospreay Addresses Ilja Dragunov Joining AEW. Will Ospreay has addressed the possibility of sharing an AEW ring with Ilja Dragunov, with the AEW World Champion describing the potential matchup as something that could become a major attraction if the two wrestlers are kept apart and properly built up.

Ospreay’s comments come at an interesting time for AEW. Dragunov has reportedly signed with the company and is expected to make his debut soon, while Ospreay is simultaneously building an AEW version of United Empire around himself. With the faction already adding “Speedball” Mike Bailey, questions are beginning to emerge about whether Dragunov could eventually become part of Ospreay’s plans — or whether the two could instead be positioned on opposite sides of the AEW roster.

Will Ospreay Discusses Potential Ilja Dragunov Match

Ospreay was asked about Dragunov amid reports that the former WWE United States Champion is heading to AEW. The AEW World Champion pointed to their history of appearing on the same independent wrestling events without ever actually sharing a ring.

“Dragunov was someone that performed on wXw for a fair bit of time, and there have been shows that we’ve been on, we’ve been on the same shows together, but we have never shared a ring with one another.”

Ospreay then explained why Dragunov potentially joining AEW excites him.

“Hearing that there’s potential that he is coming in is exciting because I’m sure if you bring him in and you keep us on separate sides of the roster and build us both up, it could generally be like a big money-drawing singles match that could main event any show anywhere in the world.”

That final point could be particularly important. Rather than immediately suggesting that Dragunov should become another member of United Empire, Ospreay specifically discussed the value of building the two wrestlers separately before eventually bringing them together.

Ilja Dragunov Is Reportedly Heading to AEW

Reports of Dragunov’s AEW move have intensified in recent weeks. Wrestling Inc. reported on September 18 that Dragunov had signed with AEW and was expected to start “very soon,” with his visa situation among the details being worked out. (Wrestling Inc.)

That means AEW appears to be preparing for another significant addition to an already crowded roster. Sports Illustrated also reported that Dragunov’s debut appeared to be a matter of time following the reports of his AEW signing. (SI)

Dragunov’s arrival would give AEW another established singles performer with significant international experience. More importantly, it creates several possible long-term directions, including a future program with Ospreay.

Ospreay’s comments suggest that he sees the value in allowing that match to develop rather than rushing into it.

Where Does Ilja Dragunov Fit Into United Empire?

The United Empire situation makes Dragunov’s arrival even more interesting.

Ospreay announced earlier this month that he wanted to establish his own version of United Empire in AEW, separate from the NJPW faction while still carrying the same identity. (F4W/WON)

The AEW version has already begun taking shape.

Current AEW United Empire members include:

• Will Ospreay
• Francesco Akira
• Andrade El Ídolo
• “Speedball” Mike Bailey

Andrade was brought into the group earlier in September after Callum Newman revealed that he had a connection to the former United Empire member. (All Elite Wrestling)

Then, on the September 23 episode of Dynamite, Bailey officially accepted Ospreay’s invitation to join United Empire. The new partnership immediately produced results, with Ospreay and Bailey defeating Claudio Castagnoli and Gabe Kidd. (All Elite Wrestling)

How Many Spots Are Left?

This is where things become particularly interesting.

Ospreay has not announced a specific maximum number of members for the AEW version of United Empire. Therefore, there is currently no confirmed number of remaining spots.

That leaves room for AEW to introduce additional recruits without establishing an artificial limit. Dragunov could theoretically become part of the group, but Ospreay’s comments about keeping the two wrestlers on separate sides of the roster make a Dragunov-versus-Ospreay program equally compelling.

For now, Dragunov should not be considered a United Empire member. His reported AEW arrival and Ospreay’s comments are separate developments.

What Is Next for Will Ospreay?

Ospreay’s immediate priority is much clearer.

The AEW World Champion is set to defend his title against Jon Moxley at AEW All Out. The match has been building for several weeks, and the September 23 Dynamite/Collision special served as the final major television stop before the championship encounter. (All Elite Wrestling)

Ospreay also entered All Out with momentum after teaming with Bailey against Death Riders. Following their victory, Ospreay and Moxley had a final confrontation ahead of their world-title match. (Wrestling Inc.)

That means the immediate story is Ospreay vs. Moxley, while the United Empire expansion and potential Dragunov matchup provide longer-term possibilities.

If Dragunov makes his AEW debut soon, Ospreay’s comments have already planted an intriguing idea: instead of immediately putting the two together, AEW could build them separately and allow anticipation for their first singles match to grow.

And if Ospreay eventually gets his way, an Ospreay vs. Dragunov match could become one of the major singles encounters waiting further down the road.

For more breaking news, match results, and in-depth wrestling analysis, visit AEWTalkDown.com and subscribe to our official YouTube channel at @AEWTalkDownEng.