Former WWE Superstar and current AEW star Ilja Dragunov has shared his thoughts on Gunther’s booking following his high-profile victory over John Cena in the legendary wrestler’s retirement match.
Gunther faced Cena at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, 2025, bringing Cena’s in-ring career to an end.
During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Dragunov was asked whether WWE had maintained Gunther’s momentum following such a significant career achievement.
Dragunov suggested that defeating Cena in his final match should have established a particularly high standard for how Gunther would be presented moving forward. “I guess my feeling is the same as a lot of other people’s,” Dragunov said. “If you’re the person who retires John Cena, there’s a certain standard of depth that you should maintain, in my opinion.” Despite questioning Gunther’s current creative direction, Dragunov made it clear that he continues to hold his longtime friend in extremely high regard.
The former WWE star praised Gunther as one of the industry’s greatest performers and reflected on their relationship, which dates back more than a decade. “For me, he is one of the best, and he will be one of the best of all time,” Dragunov stated. “He is a dear friend of mine. We’ve known each other for a long time, maybe since 2014 or 2015. We’re dear friends, and I want to see him succeed.”
Dragunov emphasized that his concerns were not a reflection of Gunther’s abilities, expressing confidence that the former world champion would continue delivering strong performances regardless of his creative direction. “I know he’s good, I know he’ll always do well, and whatever he does is going to be awesome.” However, Dragunov acknowledged that Gunther’s current presentation does not appear to match the level he reached when he was positioned as the man responsible for ending Cena’s wrestling career. “But I can certainly imagine that, after the standard he set and the way he was portrayed, what we’re seeing right now isn’t necessarily the same level he’s been working at.”
Dragunov’s comments reflect his belief that Gunther’s victory over Cena warranted a sustained level of prominence in WWE storylines.
Although the two are now working for different promotions, Dragunov remains supportive of his longtime friend and believes Gunther has the talent to succeed at the highest level.
His criticism was directed toward the perceived difference in Gunther’s booking rather than his performances or ability inside the ring.
