Morning Daily News Update: September 15, 2026 – AEW Closing In On Signing Ilja Dragunov

Good morning, everyone!

I’m back! But nobody cares about that; we’re here for the Morning Daily News Update!

Let’s see what’s new on the blog from yesterday, shall we?

Rock Star Gary posted a review of Mid-South Wrestling from June 5, 1982
Alex Podgorski posted a new 5-Star BOOK Review for part 4 of Jun Akiyama’s books
Jabroniville has a new Joshi Spotlight for WWWA Queendom
LScisco posted a new WTWWW for WWF Superstars from June 29, 1996
Kat reviewed last night’s episode of WWE Raw

Top Free Agent Expected To Sign With AEW

Ilja Dragunov is reportedly expected to join AEW following his departure from WWE in August. According to Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, the former United States Champion’s move has been anticipated for some time but has been delayed by immigration issues. Dragunov spent seven years with WWE before his contract expired. While it hasn’t been confirmed that he has officially signed with AEW, the deal is reportedly in progress, with only final details left to finalise.

The Rock Reveals How He Lost 50 Pounds for New Movie Amid WrestleMania 43 Buzz

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has revealed he lost around 50 pounds after previously gaining significant weight for his Hollywood roles. Johnson said he reached approximately 282 pounds while portraying MMA legend Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine and maintained the extra size while moving into production on the live-action Moana. After carrying the additional weight for around eight and a half months, he began slimming down for his role as an older character in Benny Safdie’s Lizard Music. Johnson took approximately a year to complete the transformation and now weighs around 235 pounds, his lightest since his teenage years. The 54-year-old said he feels “phenomenal” and has noticed improvements in areas including cardiovascular and metabolic health.

World Heavyweight title match announced for WWE Money in the Bank

Roman Reigns appears to have his next World Heavyweight Championship challenger after successfully defending the title against Penta on Raw in Mexico City. LA Knight attacked Reigns during a post-match promo, then took the championship and posed with it. In footage released after the show, an angry Reigns responded by challenging Knight to face him at WWE Money in the Bank. The event is scheduled for October 10, 2026, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

WWE NXT Lineup Confirmed For September 15, 2026

Check out the lineup for tonight’s episode of WWE NXT.