Ilja Dragunov Defeats Long-Denied Challenger on WWE SmackDown
The WWE United States Open Challenge has been a key part of recent episodes of SmackDown and has been a great visual spectacle for fans. After winning the title from Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn brought the open challenge back to the blue brand.
The challenge, made famous by the man who retires tomorrow, John Cena, has seen many overlooked wrestlers get opportunities at the title. Current champion Ilja Dragunov continued the challenge after he defeated Sami Zayn.
Since winning the belt, Dragunov has offered opportunities to many wrestlers, barring Tommaso Ciampa, as he didn’t stand for the way he competed. However, the Blackheart finally got his opportunity tonight.
Ilja Dragunov retains his WWE United States Championship
After being denied a shot at the title for weeks, Ciampa interfered in Dragunov’s match last week. He was facing Carmelo Hayes, who seemingly had the match in the bag, before the Blackheart interfered, causing Hayes to lose the match, unbeknownst to the champion.
He gave the opportunity to Ciampa after seeing his interference on the big screen, and the two wrestled a brutal match tonight. The former two-time NXT Champion was in control for most of the match after he targeted Ilja’s surgically repaired knee.
How did @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR kick out after all that?! @CiampaWWE@JohnnyGargano@CandiceLeRaepic.twitter.com/Go2yejlAw0
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2025
An incredibly hard-hitting match between the two individuals, which left Dragunov with a bloody nose, came to an end with the Champion standing tall. Despite interferences from the DIY, Ilja managed to pin Ciampa and turning his powerbomb attempt into a surprise pin.
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