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WWE Star Shockingly Returns After 403 Days To Dethrone Sami Zayn

By Ahmed Hamdy • Published Oct 17, 2025 21:21 EDT
sami zayn wwe

After over a year of absence, a former champion has finally returned to WWE TV.

Since capturing the United States Championship from Solo Sikoa last August, Sami Zayn has revived the U.S. Title Open Challenge, a tradition that John Cena originally started. His first challenger was none other than The Leader of the Cenation himself. However, their match ended in a no-contest after interference from Brock Lesnar.

Over the past few weeks, several other superstars have answered Zayn’s open challenge, including Rey Fenix, Carmelo Hayes, and Aleister Black. Last week, the Canadian star faced Shinsuke Nakamura in a match that ended in a no-contest after a returning Tama Tonga attacked both superstars.

Ilja Dragunov Returns To Answer Sami Zayn’s Open Challenge On WWE SmackDown

Earlier this month, Carmelo Hayes attempted to answer Sami Zayn’s open challenge before he was attacked from behind by his former tag team partner, The Miz. Tonight on SmackDown, the former NXT Champion returned the favor.

The WWE fans were then in for a shock as Ilja Dragunov returned after 403 days of absence to answer Sami Zayn’s challenge. After a fierce battle, Dragunov dethroned the former Bloodline member after the latter got distracted by Solo Sikoa, who walked out on the stage during the match.

After the match, Sikoa and his MFTs destroyed Zayn, Dragunov, and Rey Fenix, who tried to come to their aid. Sikoa then stated that The MFTs run SmackDown, and he will get back everything their family has lost.

Sikoa’s promo was interrupted by a Bo Dallas video before being confronted by The Wyatt Sicks in the ring.

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