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Ex-World Champion’s Return Helps Ilja Dragunov Retain Title On WWE SmackDown

By Ahmed Hamdy • Published Oct 24, 2025 21:45 EDT
WWE Logo Over blurred Damian Priest The Miz

Ilja Dragunov successfully retained his United States Championship following the return of a former World Heavyweight Champion on WWE SmackDown.

Last week, Dragunov made a triumphant comeback after a year of absence to dethrone Sami Zayn. Tonight, he announced that he would carry on the tradition of the United States Title Open Challenge.

Aleister Black was the first to answer the Russian star’s challenge. The championship match saw interference from Zelina Vega, who had recently turned heel and aligned herself with her husband.

As the referee decided to send her back to the locker room, Damian Priest made a surprise return after two weeks of absence following a loss in a Last Man Standing Match against Black. The defeat came after Vega interfered, allowing her spouse to launch a fireball in his opponent’s eyes.

Dragunov took advantage of Black’s distraction by Priest’s appearance, hitting his opponent with a Torpedo Moskau for the victory to retain the United States Title.

Zelina Vega Helps Aleister Black Escape On WWE SmackDown

After the match, Damian Priest viciously attacked Aleister Black as he looked for revenge. The Archer of Infamy was seemingly getting prepared to hit his rival with a Con-chair-to on the announce table before Zelina Vega jumped on his back and ripped his injured eye.

The former Women’s Tag Team Champion then helped her husband escape through the crowd as the former World Heavyweight Champion was recovering from her attack.

Also read:Jade Cargill Shockingly Turns Heel, Major Champion Injured On WWE SmackDown

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