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Ilja Dragunov Triumphs, Captures U.S. Title on SmackDown!

10/18/2025

23 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ilja Dragunov (WWE Superstar) returned to WWE SmackDown on October 17, 2025, after more than a year away due to a torn ACL.
He answered Sami Zayn (WWE Superstar)'s Open Challenge.
Dragunov defeated Zayn to win the United States Championship.
The MFT attacked after the match, setting up future rivalries as Dragunov aims to establish himself on the main roster.

History

Historical Context

The WWE United States Championship was established on January 1, 1975, originally as the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, with Harley Race as its first champion. After the WWF acquired WCW in 2001, the title was reactivated in 2003 as the WWE United States Championship. Ilja Dragunov's recent victory over Sami Zayn on October 17, 2025, highlights the title's ongoing significance in WWE's competitive landscape.

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Story summary

Ilja Dragunov (WWE Superstar) returned to WWE SmackDown on October 17, 2025, after more than a year away due to a torn ACL.
He answered Sami Zayn (WWE Superstar)'s Open Challenge.
Dragunov defeated Zayn to win the United States Championship.
The MFT attacked after the match, setting up future rivalries as Dragunov aims to establish himself on the main roster.

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