WWE 'SmackDown' Sees Ilja Dragunov's Return and Championship Win

What's Happening?

The latest episode of WWE 'SmackDown' featured significant developments, including the return of Ilja Dragunov, who captured the WWE United States Championship from Sami Zayn. Dragunov, who had been sidelined for over a year due to an ACL injury, made a surprise comeback and defeated Zayn in a match that saw interference from Solo Sikoa. The episode also included a disqualification victory for Drew McIntyre over Cody Rhodes, following an altercation involving Jacob Fatu, who was attacked backstage. The show highlighted ongoing tensions and potential future rivalries, setting the stage for upcoming events.

Why It's Important?

The return of Ilja Dragunov and his championship victory marks a significant moment in WWE, as it not only adds a new dynamic to the United States Championship scene but also highlights the potential for new storylines and rivalries. Dragunov's win is a testament to his resilience and adds to his accolades within WWE. The episode's events, including the altercation between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, suggest a shift in character dynamics and potential leadership changes within WWE, especially with John Cena's impending retirement. These developments could influence future WWE programming and fan engagement.

What's Next?

The aftermath of the 'SmackDown' episode sets the stage for potential matches and storylines leading up to Survivor Series: WarGames. The unresolved issues between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, along with the involvement of factions like Solo Sikoa's group and The Wyatt Sicks, suggest that WWE is building towards significant confrontations. Fans can expect further developments in these storylines, with possible matches being announced in the coming weeks. The ongoing rivalries and character arcs will likely continue to evolve, keeping audiences engaged and anticipating future WWE events.