Kyle Fletcher has replied to criticism over his reaction to reports that Ilja Dragunov is anticipated to join AEW.
Although a contract has not yet been agreed to terms, fightful Select indicated this week that Dragunov is set to sign with AEW following his WWE departure. To add further context, the remaining delay is word is that related to administrative and immigration matters rather than negotiations.
Reacting to the report on X, Fletcher expressed his excitement with a brief message: “I LOVE J AEW”
One fan criticized Fletcher’s response, arguing that AEW wrestlers should spend more time publicly supporting talent already on the company’s lineup rather than reacting enthusiastically whenever a previous WWE star is linked with the promotion.
The fan wrote: “See, this right here is what’s sad. AEW has an entire list of performers of men and women that the talent can be gassing up — however they choose to froth at the mouth over the newest WWE departure instead. We had MJF tweeting about the New Day, now Kyle Fletcher is tweeting about Ilja Dragunov.”
Fletcher reacted directly, explaining that his excitement had little to do with Dragunov being a past WWE talent. Instead, he pointed to their personal history and the possibility of getting to wrestle an veteran friend again. “So what? I love professional wrestling and am excited at the prospect of wrestling one of my friends I haven’t seen in years. Someone who got underappreciated for years, will at long last have the chance to spread his wings and create the professional wrestling he loves.
Let people be excited and live with a childlike sense of wonder without feeling the need to poopoo all over it, Colin.”
Dragunov exited WWE in August after his agreement expired and elected not to sign a new deal. He has remained a free agent since his departure.
While AEW has not unveiled Dragunov’s signing, the latest reporting indicates that the promotion has been his projected destination for some time, barring something unforeseen.
If the move is completed, Fletcher has already made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to share the ring with Dragunov again.