Conversations with Illia ( Elijah ) Silich

Today we’d like to introduce you to Illia ( Elijah ) Silich.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story start in Ukraine, when I was 15 in 2009 I became huge pro wrestling fan and realize that I wanna become wrestler too. Feeling that i can be in a spotlight, perform and entertain the people give me goosebumps. I always dream about moving to USA, homeland of wrestling and be signed in big company, but before that I need start some wrestling trainings,,, and unfortunately there was no real wrestling in Ukraine, no ring, no schools and no coaches
So I realize it’s time move to America for fulfillment the goal, but couple of times I was denied in Visa, because it’s very hard to get it. And then…
Russia invade in our country in 2022, from there., life changed forever, it was the most stressful, depressing and dark times for me and my family and millions of Ukrainian people… for long 10 month I was living in my capitol feeling that this can be a last day, because missiles are killing our people everyday, there was no real future in anything that I planned to accomplish, until… US government open their borders to help hundreds of thousands Ukrainian come safely to America and start new life, with medical and food support, we all was grateful and blessed, and this was that exalt opportunity for me to start my wrestling career
After being 3 months in Seattle I found out about one of the most famous schools in USA that was based back then in McDonough, GA
I met there my coaches my mentors that since day one, believe that I can make some big moves on professional wrestling industry, it was WWE HALL OF FAMER Billy Gunn and Vice president of AEW QT Marshall, and of course I have learning from biggest star in Wrestling today Cody Rhodes
Now I’m officially work for AEW and wait for my chance debut on main TV
Thru many problem and circumstances I touch and achieve something that millions of people of my country can’t even think about it, I feel proud and forever grateful, but there a lot more to do
I represent whole country, and can’t wait for my debut on national television

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
War in my country and immigration to USA

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Professional wrestler at All Elite Wrestling

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Warm weather
Greens landscape
Remind me of my homeland
And very quite neighborhood

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijah.drago?igsh=MTE2bXNpeWJkYjNsag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
All Elite Wrestling