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Ex-WWE Champion’s Status After Shocking SmackDown Incident Revealed

By Sridhar Krishnan • Published Nov 22, 2025 10:53 EST
WWE SmackDown

A former WWE champion was left in shambles after enduring a shocking incident.

Over the last few weeks, #DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa has been wanting to enter Ilja Dragunov’s United States Championship open challenge, only to be rejected or someone else taking his place at the last minute.

A similar incident occurred last week when Ciampa confronted Dragunov backstage, who refused to give him a title shot, instead revealing Axiom of the Fraxiom duo as the challenger.

After the match, Ciampa attacked Axiom, forcing his partner, Nathan Frazer, to come for the save.

As a result, a tag team match between #DIY and Fraxiom was announced for this week.

Axiom Unmasked On WWE SmackDown

Fraxiom and #DIY are two of the most prolific tag teams on WWE SmackDown.

While Fraxiom are two-time NXT Tag Team Champions, #DIY have won as many tag team titles on the main roster.

As expected, their match was entertaining and full of action, with no wrestler voluntarily relinquishing the advantage.

However, in the closing minutes, Frazer took out Ciampa, leaving Axiom in the ring with Johnny Gargano.

As the masked luchador stood by the turnbuckles contemplating his next move, Gargano’s wife and former WWE Women’s Speed Champion, Candice LeRae, jumped on the apron and unmasked Axiom.

Now in a spot of vulnerability, the former champion covered his face, leaving himself open to attack.

Gargano capitalized on it and pinned the 28-year-old for the win.

After the match, Frazer ran to the ring and covered his face with a towel.

Frazer then took to X to provide an update on the situation, sharing a picture of his tag team champion with a towel wrapped around his face.

Also read: SmackDown’s Massive Twist Sees Surprise Winner In John Cena’s Tournament