@kunalsummerIlja Dragunov describes the period after dropping the United States Championship as very complicated, noting that his experience in WWE shifted once he lost the title. He explains that an ACL tear occurred during a routine incident in the most unexciting way possible, yet he worked through rehab with dedicated training and returned to win the United States Championship shortly after his injury. Despite that memorable moment of winning the belt on his return, Dragunov felt in his gut that things were different following subsequent performances after losing the championship. He clarifies he doesn't blame anyone, citing respect for the seven years he spent with the company, most of which were in his twenties while he was in his 20s. Instead, he considers it reasonable to ask himself if there is more opportunity or a new environment available to him, wondering if there is a new air he can breathe. (JonAlba | SI_wrestling)

@kunalsummerIlja Dragunov describes the period after dropping the United States Championship as very complicated, noting that his experience in WWE shifted once he lost the title. He explains that an ACL tear occurred during a routine incident in the most unexciting way possible, yet he worked through rehab with dedicated training and returned to win the United States Championship shortly after his injury. Despite that memorable moment of winning the belt on his return, Dragunov felt in his gut that things were different following subsequent performances after losing the championship. He clarifies he doesn't blame anyone, citing respect for the seven years he spent with the company, most of which were in his twenties while he was in his 20s. Instead, he considers it reasonable to ask himself if there is more opportunity or a new environment available to him, wondering if there is a new air he can breathe. (JonAlba | SI_wrestling)