{"id":259233,"date":"2026-08-23T06:55:07","date_gmt":"2026-08-23T06:55:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/23\/3-wwe-rumors-we-hope-are-true-and-2-we-hope-arent-more-departures-coming-after-ilja-dragunov-bayleys-future\/"},"modified":"2026-08-23T06:55:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T06:55:07","slug":"3-wwe-rumors-we-hope-are-true-and-2-we-hope-arent-more-departures-coming-after-ilja-dragunov-bayleys-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/23\/3-wwe-rumors-we-hope-are-true-and-2-we-hope-arent-more-departures-coming-after-ilja-dragunov-bayleys-future\/","title":{"rendered":"3 WWE rumors we hope are true and 2 we hope aren\u2019t: More departures coming after Ilja Dragunov, Bayley\u2019s future"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"article-content\" data-postid=\"5208140\" data-slug-id=\"2826315\">\n<div class=\"vidazoo-player-container\">\n<span class=\"vidazoo-close-btn  hidden \"><br \/>\n<img data-lazy=\"\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/cmc-predictor\/v2\/cross-icon.png?w=40\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"close\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Triple H-led creative regime is building towards WWE Sunday Night&#8217;s Main Event. Amid this, major news broke that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/player\/ilja-dragunov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Ilja Dragunov<\/a> is no longer part of the Stamford-based promotion.<\/p>\n<p>Major rumors are circulating online, from more stars leaving the company to an update on Bayley&#8217;s future. In this listicle, we will focus on the ongoing rumors and hope three rumors are true and two we hope aren&#8217;t.<\/p>\n<p><template id=\"template__newsletter-inline-banner-form-combo-widget\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"wrapper\">\n<p><img id=\"subscribe-img\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p>\nThanks for the submission!\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>#3 Hope true: Bronson Reed returning to WWE; big feud expected<\/h2>\n<p><template id=\"also-read-articles-template\"><\/p>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<p>Bronson Reed is off WWE television due to a real-life injury. After a prolonged absence, a report indicated that WWE is preparing for The Vision member&#8217;s comeback.<\/p>\n<p>According to an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/wwe\/rumor-report-wwe-finally-preparing-37-year-old-s-return-oba-femi-feud-expected?fbclid=IwY2xjawT3OJpwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU1EREE2VkliY2FVRzZQZHFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeF1LUJ8-VdQtkL517G-nfVQGwhInAJAFAxgVu0tQtdIjTaljsEGpmPKpGe6A_aem_2x19UyZfIAadMb3jMIPMWA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">update<\/a> via Fightful Select, Reed&#8217;s name has recently surfaced, and the company is preparing for his return. Reed&#8217;s comeback could take place soon, and a feud with Oba Femi could also happen later this year.<\/p>\n<p>We hope that the rumor is true. The former NXT North American Champion should now return to the sports entertainment juggernaut, and a feud with The Ruler already sounds like an impressive idea.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>#2 Hope true: Update on Bayley&#8217;s future<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/wwe\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/wwe\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>WON: As far as Bayley goes, the frequent mentions of her on Raw this week would indicate that WWE expects her back. If they believed Bayley might be leaving, they would not mention her name.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Bayley is still away from television, but her name keeps being mentioned on Monday Night RAW. Earlier reports said that Bayley&#8217;s WWE contract was nearing its expiration, fueling speculation about her departure.<\/p>\n<p>However, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/wwe\/rumor-huge-update-bayley-s-wwe-future-reports?fbclid=IwY2xjawT3OJ9wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU1EREE2VkliY2FVRzZQZHFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeUOD_C1sWW_LEw82hw1ilQY4eDGO7YRj1pxq_RaIzNVGQcn8CBqQzH-JgMAg_aem_1CvSHqfzEFVgyeFwFTq4vg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">recent report<\/a> suggested that WWE expects Bayley to return.<\/p>\n<p>We hope that the rumor is true. The 37-year-old star should return to the World Wrestling Entertainment juggernaut, as she is a core part of the women&#8217;s division.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>#1 Hope true: Oba Femi vs. Bron Breakker SNME match ending<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sportskeeda-embed\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/wwe\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/wwe\/twitter-embed\">\n<div class=\"profile-card\">\n<p><span><span>Dave Meltzer expects Bron vs. Oba to be a non-finish. (WOR)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>After defeating Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, Oba Femi is heading into a high-profile match against Bron Breakker at Sunday Night&#8217;s Main Event. This could prove who the real future of the Stamford-based promotion is.<\/p>\n<p>In this situation, both stars cannot afford to lose, and according to the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/wwe\/rumor-breaking-result-of-oba-femi-vs-bron-breakker-at-wwe-sunday-night-s-main-event-2026-reports?fbclid=IwY2xjawT3OJhwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU1EREE2VkliY2FVRzZQZHFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeUOD_C1sWW_LEw82hw1ilQY4eDGO7YRj1pxq_RaIzNVGQcn8CBqQzH-JgMAg_aem_1CvSHqfzEFVgyeFwFTq4vg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">update<\/a>, the Triple H-led creative team could book a non-finish in this match to protect both stars. Though the ending sounds disappointing, this is one way to keep them protected from a pinfall or submission loss.<\/p>\n<p>This is why we hope that the non-finish rumor for their match is true.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>#2 Hope not true: Ilja Dragunov reportedly opted to let his  deal expire<\/h2>\n<p>The Mad Dragon is no longer part of the sports entertainment juggernaut. According to an update from <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/FalseFinishHQ\/status\/2090484997798981796\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">False Finish<\/a>, WWE wanted Ilja to remain with the company, but the former NXT UK Champion let his contract expire and departed.<\/p>\n<p>We hope the rumor is not true. The report does not establish why Dragunov chose not to review his contract.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>#1 Hope not true: More stars could leave the company in October<\/h2>\n<p>After Ilja Dragunov, a report said that a few other main-roster contracts are coming due in October.<\/p>\n<p>As per the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/wwe\/rumor-breaking-after-ilja-dragunov-more-wwe-stars-potentially-leaving-company-very-soon-reports?fbclid=IwY2xjawT3OJ1wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU1EREE2VkliY2FVRzZQZHFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeWcn-AeN4_K2F9-e86Xs3ss1HaCi0U8yCgsqEaVU4IqDK3bAhP7sG5mjHy2I_aem_C_RxDIdCZHcOD_dfWZRiWg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">source<\/a>, those contracts involve wrestlers who have not been on television much recently. They may leave WWE, but the report did not say that they will.<\/p>\n<p>We hope that the rumor is not true. The Chief Content Officer should re-sign all the major talents whose contracts are set to expire; otherwise, it would be a big blow, similar to Ilja Dragunov&#8217;s surprise exit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-post-rating-widget\">\n<p><template id=\"post-rating-feedback-modal-template\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-feedback-box\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-content\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-data\">\n<p>Why did you not like this content?<\/p>\n<p><textarea id=\"dislike-feedback-text\" rows=\"4\" placeholder=\"Please type your feedback...\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<button class=\"close\">Cancel<\/button><br \/>\n<button class=\"submit\">Submit<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-widget-parent hidden\">\n<div class=\"rating-parent-container\">\n<div class=\"rating-content-holder\">\n<p>Was this article helpful?<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-action-container\">\n<div class=\"like-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-like-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"like\" title=\"like article\"><br \/>\n<img class=\"post-like-image post-rating-image\" data-lazy=\"\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"like selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dislike-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-dislike-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"dislike\" title=\"dislike article\"><br \/>\n<img class=\"post-dis-like-image post-rating-image\" data-lazy=\"\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"avatar selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\nThank You for feedback\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bottom-tagline bottom\" data-tab=\"bottom\">\n<p>Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=sportskeeda.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\" class=\"bottom_tagline_link\" data-tab=\"bottom\">here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tag-cloud\">\n<div class=\"tags-text\">\n<div class=\"scrollable-content-holder  article-padding\">\n<p class=\"article-p  \">Quick Links<\/p>\n<p><button id=\"pnAdvancerLeft\" class=\"pn-Advancer pn-Advancer_Left \" type=\"button\"><br \/>\n<img style=\"background: none;\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/skm\/assets\/article\/article-scroll-left.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button><\/p>\n<nav id=\"pnProductNav\" class=\"pn-ProductNav\">\n<\/nav>\n<p><button id=\"pnAdvancerRight\" class=\"pn-Advancer pn-Advancer_Right \" type=\"button\"><br \/>\n<img style=\"background: none;\" data-lazy=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/skm\/assets\/article\/article-scroll-right.svg\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<p>More from Sportskeeda<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<span class=\"publisher-name\">Edited by Shardul Sant<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/wwe\/3-wwe-rumors-hope-true-2-hope-aren-t-more-departures-coming-ilja-dragunov-bayley-s-future\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Triple H-led creative regime is building towards WWE Sunday Night&#8217;s Main Event. Amid this, major news broke that Ilja Dragunov is no longer part of the Stamford-based promotion. Major rumors are circulating online, from more stars leaving the company to an update on Bayley&#8217;s future. In this listicle, we will focus on the ongoing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":259234,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6806],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-259233","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gossip"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=259233"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259233\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/259234"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=259233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=259233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=259233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}