US title open challenge set for WWE SmackDown

United States Champion Ilja Dragunov will be making another title defense on WWE SmackDown tonight.

Ahead of the show, Dragunov confirmed on social media that he’s issuing another open challenge for his belt tonight. His first open challenge took place last week with Dragunov retaining against Aleister Black. Tonight’s opponent has not been named yet.

“This title is a legacy and the open challenge is my duty,” Dragunov wrote. “Who wants to step up tonight?”

Making his long-awaited return, Dragunov defeated Sami Zayn two weeks ago to become the new United States Champion. It was Dragunov’s first match since tearing his ACL more than a year ago. As champion, Dragunov is continuing the open challenge series that was a weekly feature of Zayn’s reign.

Zayn reflected on his U.S. title reign in a tweet yesterday, calling it one of his favorite things he’s ever done in WWE.

Salt Lake City, Utah is hosting SmackDown tonight with the show being held at the Delta Center on Halloween night.

WWE SmackDown (Friday, October 31) —

  • Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre contract signing
  • Jade Cargill speaks
  • Carmelo Hayes vs. Kit Wilson
  • Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
  • Ilja Dragunov United States Championship open challenge
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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.