MJF fires shots at Ilja Dragunov after his WWE departure gets confirmed

AEW top star MJF took a jab at Ilja Dragunov right after his WWE exit was confirmed.

Earlier today, it was reported by PWInsider that Dragunov’s contract with the Stamford-based wrestling company had already expired and his profile was moved to the alumni section, confirming his departure from WWE. The Mad Dragon was a promising prospect, especially after he returned in 2025 and won the United States title in his first match back. However, he had not appeared on television for the last four months.

Following the news of his WWE exit, a huge tease regarding his possible arrival to AEW was made by none other than one of their top names, Kyle Fletcher. The Protostar dropped a photo that looked like a snapshot from their only singles match, which took place at PROGRESS Chapter 100 in the United Kingdom in 2019, and hinted that they might run it back in All Elite Wrestling.

This caught the attention of MJF, who took to X to fire shots at both Dragunov and Fletcher. The Salt of the Earth wrote:

“Two complete dorks.”

AEW star MJF wants to embarrass an ex-WWE star at All In 2026

MJF is headed to participate in the Casino Gauntlet match at All In 2026. He won a three-way bout on Dynamite last week and earned the coveted #2 spot. At the same time, he is currently embroiled in a heated feud with Andrade El Idolo, the #1 entrant in the match.

Before the three-way bout took place, MJF promised to win and said he would dogwalk Andrade at the company’s biggest event.

“I always get what I want. Next week, we’re in Vegas, and I’m feeling lucky. There is a gauntlet qualifying match for the Casino Gauntlet match at All In for the number two spot. I’m going to enter that match; I’m going to win that match. I’m then gonna go to Wembley, where I’m going to dog walk that p***o Andrade again. I’ll win the contract again and do exactly what I did the last time,” he said.

The Salt of the Earth delivered on one promise by earning the #2 spot in the Casino Gauntlet. So, it remains to be seen if he will be able to embarrass Andrade and win the match en route to earning another shot at the AEW World Championship.