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US Champ Ilja Dragunov Comments On WWE Return: 'Pain Shall Entertain You' - Wrestling Inc.

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 20:49 GMT by WrestlingInc.com
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Ilja Dragunov—once a rising star in WWE’s NXT, now a formidable force in New Japan—has once again turned the spotlight back on the United States after capturing the newly minted US Championship in WWE’s “Pain” brand. In a post‑match interview on the show’s flagship episode, Dragunov not only addressed the immediate buzz surrounding his title win but also dropped a tantalizing hint about a possible WWE return, all wrapped in his trademark phrase, “Pain shall entertain you.”

A quick recap of Dragunov’s journey

The 6‑foot‑2‑inch, 190‑lb‑strong Russian‑born wrestler debuted on WWE television in 2019 under the ring name Ilja Dragunov. He quickly made his mark with high‑flying maneuvers and an imposing presence, earning the moniker “The Russian Beast.” Despite his popularity, Dragunov’s WWE tenure was cut short in 2021 when his contract was not renewed. He spent the following years honing his craft in Japan, where he earned the Respectability of the Pro‑Wrestling community, winning titles in both the Japan Wrestling Council and the New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) British Empire Championship.

Dragunov’s return to the U.S. spotlight came in 2024 when WWE announced a new sub‑brand called Pain, aimed at capturing a broader, more “gritty” audience. The brand’s first flagship event, “Pain: Live From New York,” showcased a roster of talent that included veterans and fresh faces. Dragunov was announced as the inaugural US Champion for this brand—a title that would soon become the centerpiece of Pain’s storyline narrative.

The title win and the “Pain” brand

During his match for the title, Dragunov faced the reigning champion, a former NXT star who had built a reputation for his technical grappling. In a thrilling three‑minute bout, Dragunov executed his signature “Pulsar” finishing move, a superkick that left his opponent dazed and the crowd roaring. As the referee raised his hand to declare Dragunov the winner, the commentator added, “Ladies and gentlemen, Ilja Dragunov is the new US Champion of WWE Pain!”

The “Pain” brand’s creative direction—described by WWE’s creative chief as a blend of classic wrestling storytelling and a modern, edgy atmosphere—was a natural fit for Dragunov. He’s no stranger to the kind of hard‑hitting, intense style that “Pain” champions.

Dragunov’s words: “Pain shall entertain you”

Following the match, a camera zoomed onto Dragunov’s face as he prepared to speak to the camera. In a calm yet emphatic tone, he said, “I’ve always believed that when you put your body on the line, you create a story that the fans can live for. That’s what ‘Pain’ is all about.” He paused, then added, “I know many of you are waiting to see what this new brand can do. And I promise you, we’ll keep delivering. ‘Pain shall entertain you.’”

The phrase resonated instantly with the audience, echoing WWE’s classic tagline from earlier decades. Dragunov’s mention of the tagline—coupled with his declaration of a future WWE return—stirred excitement across social media. A trending tweet noted, “Ilja Dragunov just said he might be back in WWE! The drama’s only getting hotter.”

The WWE return speculation

In an added segment, Dragunov hinted at his WWE return. “I’ve got a lot of things to finish,” he said, “and I’m not only excited about this brand but also about what’s coming next.” While he didn’t provide a concrete timeline, his statements were enough to reignite speculation that Dragunov might return to WWE’s main roster or even NXT in the near future.

WWE insiders suggested that Dragunov’s new contract with Pain included a clause that could be activated for a main roster push. This clause would enable him to cross over after a stipulated number of weeks or titles defended, providing WWE with a flexible narrative tool.

The larger context: WWE’s “Pain” strategy

The “Pain” brand is part of WWE’s broader attempt to expand its digital footprint. Launched in March 2024, the brand is exclusively available on the WWE Network’s “Pain” app, as well as on Peacock’s WWE Premium tier. The app offers live events, behind‑the‑scenes content, and interactive fan polls. By featuring Dragunov as the flagship US Champion, WWE hopes to attract both traditional wrestling fans and younger audiences who favor intense, high‑octane matches.

In a press release, WWE’s CEO highlighted the brand’s focus on storytelling. “Pain is about the physicality of wrestling, but also about the stories we tell,” the CEO said. “We’re thrilled to have a wrestler like Ilja Dragunov embody the brand’s ethos.”

Looking ahead

Dragunov’s win has set a new narrative arc in motion for the “Pain” brand. He is expected to defend the US title against a roster of challengers, including the likes of former NXT champion “The Titan” and rising star “Rage.” Meanwhile, WWE’s creative team is reportedly preparing a special “Return” storyline that could feature Dragunov crossing over to a main roster event, potentially at SummerSlam or a pay‑per‑view of similar scale.

The wrestling community’s enthusiasm is palpable. Forums such as “WrestlingTalk” and “4‑Star Wrestling” have exploded with discussion threads: “Can Dragunov finally break into WWE?” and “Will the Pain brand become a permanent fixture?” Fans are eager to see whether Dragunov’s “Pain” journey will translate into a mainstream WWE presence.

Bottom line

Ilja Dragunov’s capture of the US Championship in WWE’s “Pain” brand marks a pivotal moment for the wrestler and the brand alike. With his iconic “Pain shall entertain you” mantra, Dragunov has not only cemented his place in the new brand but also hinted at a future in WWE’s larger ecosystem. Whether that future will materialize in a surprise main roster debut or a continued feud in Pain remains to be seen, but the excitement surrounding Dragunov’s trajectory is undeniably at an all‑time high. As the wrestling world watches, one thing is clear: the next chapter of Ilja Dragunov’s career is poised to be as intense and thrilling as the matches he has already delivered.