Ilja Dragunov returns and becomes the new United States Champion on SmackDown

WWE held a new edition of Friday Night SmackDown tonight, featuring shocking returns and title defenses. One of the main moments was the return of Ilja Dragunov, who not only came back to a standing ovation but also won the United States Championship by defeating Sami Zayn in an intense match.

Tonight, Sami Zayn issued an open challenge for the United States title, initially answered by The Miz. However, the confrontation was interrupted by an attack from Carmelo Hayes. The chaos ended with the unexpected entrance of Ilja Dragunov, who returned to the cheers of the crowd to officially accept the challenge, leading to an intense title battle.

The action reached its climax when both wrestlers exchanged powerful German Suplexes and clotheslines without achieving the three count. In the final moments, and just as Sami had control, Solo Sikoa briefly appeared on the ramp, distracting Zayn. Although Sikoa left, Dragunov took advantage of the brief pause to counter a Helluva Kick with a Torpedo and finish with his lethal H-Bomb, securing the victory and the three count.

Dragunov was crowned as the new United States Champion, winning his first title on the main roster. However, his celebration was interrupted when he and Sami Zayn were attacked by Solo Sikoa's MFT faction. Sikoa took the microphone to declare that MFT will dominate SmackDown. But suddenly the lights went out, and the appearance of the Wyatt Sicks on the apron caused MFT to retreat immediately.