During the October 17, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown, Ilja Dragunov made his long-awaited return to the ring after a year out of action.
Dragunov came out to answer an open challenge laid out by reigning, defending WWE United States Champion Sami Zayn. In the near end Solo Sikoa came out and he distracted Sami Zayn. Then Dragunov was able to hit his finishers, followed by an H Bomb, to win the match and become the new United States Champion.
According to Bodyslam, Dragunov’s return wasn’t always planned for this date or show. WWE previously considered bringing him back in September on RAW.
That plan was quickly changed when SmackDown needed an improvement, so Dragunov was moved to SmackDown to freshen up the roster.
Bodyslam also noted that Sami Zayn was the one who pitched the idea for Dragunov to dethrone him. Zayn has been working hard to elevate the United States Championship, and he personally backed Dragunov to carry the belt and build momentum.
Stay tuned to prowrestlenew.com for more information soon as it becomes available.
