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Major WWE Championship Successfully Defended On SmackDown

By Ahmed Hamdy • Published Oct 31, 2025 20:41 EDT
WWE Smackdown Logo Arena

A major WWE title was put on the line tonight on SmackDown.

On the October 17 episode of the blue brand, Ilja Dragunov returned to WWE TV after a year of absence to answer Sami Zayn’s United States Championship open challenge.

Shockingly, the Russian star succeeded in ending the former Honorary Uce’s 48-day title reign on his first night back. Dragunov has since carried on the open challenge tradition.

Nathan Frazer Almost Dethroned Ilja Dragunov On WWE SmackDown

Last week, Ilja Dragunov successfully defended the United States Championship against Aleister Black. Tonight on SmackDown, Fraxiom’s Nathan Frazer answered the 32-year-old’s United States Championship challenge.

Although he was initially interrupted by Tommaso Ciampa, who demanded that he face the Russian champion, the latter brushed him off, pointing out that Frazer answered his challenge first.

Frazer and Dragunov put in an impressive performance, leading the crowd to chant, “This is awesome.” Despite the challenger being so close to dethroning the champion on several occasions during the match, it was Dragunov who came out on top to retain his title.

After the match, Dragunov embraced Frazer and raised his hand in a sign of respect. However, the latter was suddenly attacked from behind by Ciampa as he left the ring.

Also read:WWE Champion Not Cleared For Physical Contact On SmackDown

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