Ilja Dragunov issues a warning to the WWE locker room

Ilja Dragunov has officially returned to WWE, and he did it with a title around his waist. After his victory over Sami Zayn on SmackDown, the wrestler was recorded backstage, where he sent a clear message to the locker room.

In the video, Dragunov talked about the emotional weight of his return and what this title represents to him: "It has been a very long year, and no one understands what it feels like to be on the bench for so long, waiting, training, preparing to come back better than ever. More ruthless, more ambitious, braver. Everything I have achieved this year is symbolized in this: me, as United States Champion".

The "Mad Dragon" also took the opportunity to send a clear message to anyone who dares to challenge him: "Now I am very clear about it. I want everyone to understand, friends and enemies alike: if you step into the ring with me, the pain will be your entertainment".

The former NXT champion returned to television on October 17 during SmackDown from the SAP Center in San Jose, accepting Sami Zayn's open challenge. The audience welcomed him with a great ovation after almost a year away from the ring.

According to previous reports, Dragunov's return was initially planned for September and within the RAW roster, but WWE decided to move him to SmackDown considering that the show needed a new boost. It was also reported that it was Sami Zayn, the former champion, who proposed Ilja Dragunov as his heir to the throne.