Triple H Replaced By Vince McMahon’s Former Right-Hand Man On SmackDown

Triple H missed SmackDown.

The October 17 episode of SmackDown was marked by the in-ring return of Ilja Dragunov. The former NXT Champion had been missing since suffering a major knee injury back in September 2024 at a live event.

Dragunov’s comeback spelt danger for Sami Zayn and the United States Championship, with the Russian star answering the champion’s open challenge. In typical Dragunov fashion, the match was a beautifully hard-hitting affair, and the returning star grabbed the win after Zayn was distracted by Solo Sikoa.

Elsewhere, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss retained the Women’s Tag Team Championship with a win over NXT stars Zaria and Sol Ruca. The main event ended with a wild brawl between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes after McIntyre’s scheduled opponent, Jacob Fatu, was taken out backstage.

Bruce Prichard Replaced Triple H

Since taking control of the creative side of the company, Triple H has often spoken about the importance of allowing talent time away so that wrestling doesn’t totally rule their life. And it seems he’s taken his own advice.

Following SmackDown, it was reported by Fightful Select that the show was run from backstage by Bruce Prichard with The Game elsewhere.

Meanwhile, it’s been reported that several changes are on the way for WWE SmackDown, so the return of Ilja Dragunov might just be the start.

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