Ilja Dragunov is a German professional wrestler widely respected for his intense in-ring style, emotional storytelling, and relentless physicality. Known worldwide as “The Mad Dragon,” Dragunov has earned critical acclaim for his hard-hitting matches and psychological depth inside the ring. His unique blend of pain tolerance, technical precision, and raw emotion has positioned him as one of the most compelling performers in modern professional wrestling.
Quick Bio
- Ring Name Ilja Dragunov
- Real Name Ilja Rukober
- Nickname The Mad Dragon
- Date of Birth October 10, 1993
- Age 32 years old as of 2026
- Birthplace Moscow, Russia
- Hometown Berlin, Germany
- Nationality German
- Ethnicity Russian-German
- Profession Professional Wrestler
- Years Active 2012–present
- Wrestling Promotion WWE
- Roster Status WWE Main Roster
- Marital Status Married
- Height 5 feet 10 inches (approx.)
- Weight approximately 205 lbs (93 kg)
- Eye Color Brown
- Hair Color Dark Brown
- Instagram iljadragunovwwe
- X (Twitter) @IljaDragunov
- Net Worth estimated 1 to 2 million
Age Birthday Date of Birth
Ilja Dragunov was born on October 10, 1993. He is 32 years old as of 2026. A Libra by zodiac sign, he is often associated with balance and intensity—qualities reflected in both his disciplined lifestyle and explosive in-ring persona.
Parents Siblings and Family Background
Born in Moscow, Russia, Ilja Dragunov moved to Germany with his family during childhood. He has largely kept details about his parents and siblings private. His immigrant upbringing and European roots strongly influenced his worldview, resilience, and work ethic.
Early Life and Education
Before entering professional wrestling, Dragunov competed in amateur wrestling and various combat sports, developing a strong physical and mental foundation. He later trained in professional wrestling in Germany, where he combined European technical wrestling with Japanese strong-style influences to create his signature approach.
Height Weight and Body Stats
Height 5 feet 10 inches (approx.)
Weight 205 lbs (approx.)
Build Athletic / Muscular
Eyes Brown
Hair Dark Brown
Professional Wrestling Career
Ilja Dragunov gained early prominence on the European independent circuit, most notably in Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), where his intensity and realism set him apart. His performances earned him international recognition and opened the door to WWE.
In WWE, Dragunov rose to global fame through NXT UK, where his legendary rivalry with WALTER (now Gunther) produced some of the most critically acclaimed matches of the modern era. His eventual move to NXT and later the WWE main roster further established him as a unique and emotionally driven performer.
In-Ring Style and Persona
Known as “The Mad Dragon,” Dragunov’s in-ring persona centers on endurance, suffering, and unbreakable will. His style emphasizes brutal strikes, explosive bursts of offense, and deep emotional storytelling. He portrays a warrior who thrives through pain rather than avoiding it.
Signature Moves
- Torpedo Moscow
- H-Bomb
- Sleeper Hold
- Konstantin Special
Championships and Achievements
- WWE NXT United Kingdom Champion (2×)
- wXw Unified World Wrestling Champion
- Multiple Match of the Year honors
- One of the most critically praised wrestlers of his generation
Injury Status and Hiatus
Ilja Dragunov is currently sidelined due to a serious knee injury, which has kept him off WWE television for an extended period. His absence is medically related, and he is expected to return once fully recovered. WWE and fans alike regard his eventual comeback as highly anticipated.
Relationship Status
Ilja Dragunov is married and maintains a very private personal life. He rarely discusses his relationship publicly, choosing to keep the focus on his professional career and in-ring performances.
Social Media Presence
Dragunov is active on social media, where he shares training updates, match highlights, and messages connected to his wrestling journey.
- Instagram: @iljadragunovwwe — training, matches, WWE updates
- X (Twitter): @IljaDragunov — wrestling commentary and updates
Net Worth
As of 2026, Ilja Dragunov’s estimated net worth ranges between 1 and 2 million. His earnings come from WWE contracts, merchandise sales, appearances, and international wrestling engagements.
Trivia and Facts
- His nickname “The Mad Dragon” symbolizes endurance through pain.
- He is known for some of WWE’s hardest-hitting modern matches.
- He is fluent in German and Russian.
- His rivalry with Gunther is considered a modern wrestling classic.
- He prioritizes emotion and realism over spectacle.
FAQs About Ilja Dragunov
Who is Ilja Dragunov?
He is a German professional wrestler signed with WWE.
How old is Ilja Dragunov?
He is 32 years old as of 2026.
Is Ilja Dragunov married?
Yes, he is married.
What is Ilja Dragunov known for?
His intense wrestling style, emotional storytelling, and physical realism.
What is Ilja Dragunov’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between 1 and 2 million.
