Ilja Dragunov Returns, Captures the United States Championship – After more than a year away due to a knee injury, Ilja Dragunov made his stunning return on the October 17 episode of WWE SmackDown, answering Sami Zayn’s United States Open Challenge — and walking out with the championship.

The two competitors shook hands before Dragunov immediately struck with a forearm to start the bout. Zayn fired back with a clothesline, but Dragunov’s intensity was relentless. The former NXT Champion connected with a jumping enzuigiri, a running knee in the corner, and a Yakuza kick that rocked Zayn early. After a series of exchanges, Zayn managed to regain control, suplexing Dragunov back into the ring for a near fall.

Dragunov responded with a brutal series of chops, knees, and a headbutt that had both men trading heavy shots in the center of the ring. Zayn nearly sealed the win with a Michinoku Driver, but Dragunov continued to show his trademark resilience. The pace quickened as both men exchanged German suplexes and counters before Dragunov hit a thunderous powerbomb for a close near fall.

As the crowd roared, both men unleashed a flurry of slaps, kicks, and strikes. Dragunov hit a back senton from the top rope, but Zayn survived and fought back to attempt the Helluva Kick. Before he could connect, Solo Sikoa appeared on the stage, momentarily distracting the champion.

Taking advantage of the opening, Dragunov stopped Zayn’s momentum and hit a flying shoulder tackle followed by the devastating H-Bomb to score the pinfall victory. The “Mad Dragon” captured the United States Championship in his first match back, completing a remarkable comeback after over a year on the sidelines.

Ilja Dragunov Returns, Captures the United States Championship

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