Ilja Dragunov Returns On WWE SmackDown, Wins WWE US Title
Ilja Dragunov made his return on the October 17th episode of WWE SmackDown, answering the WWE US Title open challenge of Sami Zayn.
Dragunov defeated Zayn to win the United States Championship.
The finish saw Dragunov hit the torpedo Moscow, followed by the H Bomb. Solo Sikoa distracted Zayn during the match.
Dragunov has been out since October 2024 with a torn ACL.
Dragunov answered the open challenge after The Miz, who initially came out to confront Zayn, was attacked by Carmelo Hayes.
UNBELIEVABLE!! @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR is BACK!!! đŸ”¥ pic.twitter.com/j3hHSXIyyp
— WWE (@WWE) October 18, 2025
This was Dragunov’s first match since September 28, 2024 when he faced Gunther at a live event. It was his first televised match since the September 9, 2024 episode of WWE Raw.
This marks the first reign as US Champion for Dragunov. Zayn’s reign lasted 50 days. He made six successful title defenses.
Fans can find Fightful’s coverage of WWE SmackDown here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review here.
