New United States Champion crowned on WWE SmackDown
Ilja Dragunov is the new United States Champion.
Dragunov made a surprise return on Friday’s SmackDown, challenging Sami Zayn as he continued his open challenge. The finish had Zayn going for the helluva kick when Solo Sikoa was seen in the entranceway smirking, causing a distraction. Dragunov eventually connected with torpedo Moscow then finished with the h-bomb to win the Untied States Championship for the first time.
After the match, Sikoa and the rest of the MFTs emerged and laid out both men. Rey Fenix, who was attacked earlier in the night by the group, came out to help but the numbers were too much. Sikoa started to cut a promo when suddenly the lights went out and The Wyatt Sicks made their entrance, appearing on the ring apron. After a staredown, Sikoa’s group backed off as the segment ended.
Dragunov had been out of action for over a year, tearing his ACL in a match against Gunther back in September of 2024. In the hours before SmackDown went on air, it was reported that Dragunov had been seen backstage training in the ring wearing a knee brace, which he also wore during Friday’s match.
