Ilja Dragunov made his return to WWE in a huge way as he captured gold in his first match in over a year.
On the October 17 episode of SmackDown, Dragunov answered Sami Zayn’s United States Open Challenge, and went on to defeat Zayn to win his first main roster championship. The closing moments of the match saw Dragunov hit the torpedo Moscow, followed by the H Bomb to win the match and the title. Zayn was also distracted by Solo Sikoa towards the end of the match.
It initially appeared that The Miz was set to answer Zayn’s challenge. However, in retaliation for what happened earlier in the month, Carmelo Hayes attacked Miz, rendering his former tag team partner unable to compete.
After the match, Sikoa and the rest of the MFTs took out both men. Rey Fenix, who was attacked earlier in the night by Sikoa and co, tried to make the save, but the numbers were too much for the trio. Sikoa attempted to cut a promo when the lights went out and The Wyatt Sicks appeared on the ring apron. Following a staredown, Sikoa’s group backed away.
The victory adds to Dragunov’s WWE record, which has seen the Russian wrestler previously hold the NXT UK and NXT USA Championships. The victory also ends Sami Zayn’s reign at 49 days.
Ilja Dragunov Back In WWE
As mentioned by commentary multiple times, Dragunov has missed more than a year of action as a result of a torn ACL. Prior to his SmackDown return, the new United States Champion last competed at a WWE live event in September 2024, losing to then World Heavyweight Champion Guther. Dragunov had been called up to the main roster earlier that year.
Featured image: WWE
