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Ilja Dragunov's First Championship Defense Sparks Speculation

10/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ilja Dragunov will defend the WWE United States Championship for the first time on Friday's SmackDown at Mullett Arena in Tempe in an open challenge.
He returned from a year-long anterior cruciate ligament injury and won the title from Sami Zayn last week.
Before the injury, he last competed on September 28, 2024, against Gunther.
Fans speculate potential challengers, including Carmelo Hayes and former NXT Champion Oba Femi.

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Story summary

Ilja Dragunov will defend the WWE United States Championship for the first time on Friday's SmackDown at Mullett Arena in Tempe in an open challenge.
He returned from a year-long anterior cruciate ligament injury and won the title from Sami Zayn last week.
Before the injury, he last competed on September 28, 2024, against Gunther.
Fans speculate potential challengers, including Carmelo Hayes and former NXT Champion Oba Femi.