WWE rumor roundup: Reigns’ Mexico City result tied to long-term plan; Ilja Dragunov set for AEW; Jake Hager recovering from emergency eye surgery

Roman Reigns defeated Penta on Raw in Mexico City this Monday to retain the World Heavyweight title, a result PWInsider reports is part of a longer-term storyline; separately, reports say Ilja Dragunov has signed with AEW and Jake Hager is recovering from emergency eye surgery after his Power Slap loss. The items were compiled in a wrestling rumor roundup published on September 19, 2026.

PWInsider reiterated earlier reporting that Reigns’ victory over Penta was not intended as a knock on his opponent but was connected to a broader storyline that is building toward a WrestleMania 43 main event against Oba Femi. The company described the Penta match as Reigns’ fourth title defense and confirmed he retained the World Heavyweight title on Raw in Mexico City.

Ilja Dragunov did not re-sign with the Stamford-based promotion when his contract expired last month and Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported this week that Dragunov is going to AEW. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter wrote that AEW has officially signed Dragunov and that his debut is expected to come “very soon.” Meltzer added that such agreements can take several weeks to finalize and that it was already “apparent in August” that Dragunov would be joining the company.

Further confirmation of Dragunov’s move arrived from Fightful Select, which reported AEW is preparing debut materials, including graphics, and is working through his visa situation. Those preparations were described as ongoing while the company finalises paperwork and presentation details for his arrival.

Jake Hager, who previously competed under the name Jack Swagger, has worked in Bellator MMA and AEW since leaving WWE and signed with Power Slap in March, winning his debut by KO in the third round. Hager then suffered consecutive defeats, with his most recent loss to Johnny Magna at PowerSlap 23 ending in the second round via doctor stoppage after a slap left Hager bleeding from his left eye.

Patricia Blackburn, Hager’s partner and a fellow Power Slap competitor, told Slap News that Hager is recovering from emergency eye surgery and offered a statement thanking supporters: “Thank you to the UFC and Power Slap family for the incredible love and support you’ve shown Jake during this difficult time. Jake is currently recovering from an emergency eye surgery. We’re taking things one day at a time and keeping the details private, but your kindness, support, and genuine concern have meant more than you know. Thank you for being there for Jake. We’re so grateful to be part of a community that shows up when it matters most.”

Dave Meltzer also reported WWE has scaled back its collaboration with TNA after TNA failed to secure a Wednesday night television slot intended to challenge AEW; Meltzer said that because TNA did not significantly impact AEW, WWE appears to be moving away from the alliance, a shift highlighted by the absence of WWE at TNA’s recent PPV Bound for Glory.

Reigns is scheduled to defend the World Heavyweight title against LA Knight at Money in the Bank 2026 in New Orleans next month, while AEW continues preparing for Dragunov’s imminent debut by assembling graphics and addressing his visa paperwork.