Sports · Other Sports · 11 hrs ago
Ilja Dragunov Says He Wants to Compete in AEW Continental Classic
Ilja Dragunov wants to compete in AEW’s Continental Classic, an annual wrestling tournament that is approaching.
Dragunov, a recent addition to All Elite Wrestling, discussed the possibility on the promotion’s social media show AEW Advance.
He says the tournament tests mental toughness and resilience, pointing to past winners who faced injuries and setbacks.
The tournament’s past winners include Eddie Kingston in 2023, Kazuchika Okada in 2024 and Jon Moxley in 2025.
Dragunov says he and Kingston should meet in the ring again, referring to their history and his interest in wrestling Kingston.
Dragunov has not been confirmed as a competitor; he said he is not the person who makes that decision.
AEW has not announced whether he will take part.
Ilja Dragunov said he wants the chance to compete in AEW’s Continental Classic.
He discussed the tournament on AEW’s social media show AEW Advance.
Dragunov described the tournament as a test of mental toughness, strength and resilience.
He also spoke about his history with Eddie Kingston and said they are due to meet in the ring again.
Dragunov said he was not the person who would decide whether he enters the tournament.
- Who
- Ilja Dragunov said he wants to compete in the tournament.
- What
- He expressed interest in entering AEW’s Continental Classic.
- When
- He discussed it in an interview published on October 30, 2026.
- Where
- On AEW’s social media show AEW Advance.
- Why
- Dragunov said the tournament represents strength, resilience and mental toughness.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Eddie Kingston won the first Continental Classic, according to Dragunov.
Kazuchika Okada won the tournament, according to Dragunov.
Jon Moxley won the tournament, according to Dragunov.
Dragunov arrived at AEW at the WrestleDream pay-per-view.
Dragunov wrestled The Beast Mortos at a taping of AEW Fright Night Collision.
Articles reported Dragunov’s comments about wanting to compete in the Continental Classic.
- Wrestler
- Ilja Dragunov
- Tournament
- AEW Continental Classic
- Interview show
- AEW Advance
- Previous winner, 2023
- Eddie Kingston
- Previous winner, 2024
- Kazuchika Okada
- Previous winner, 2025
- Jon Moxley
3 sources
What people are saying
This tournament represents mental toughness, because as far as I remember, all these people went through injuries, through setbacks, through really memorable moments, especially with Eddie. A big moment. A big emotional moment.
But anyway, this tournament is representing strength, resilience, and I feel like the landscape of AEW is about to change. Why? Because I am here.
Posts on X
Ilja Dragunov has a lot of thoughts about entering The Continental Classic as Arkady Aura and Lexy Nair got the exclusive with him on #AEWAdvance 👀 👀 👀