The October 17 edition of WWE SmackDown featured the return of Ilja Dragunov and a significant championship change. The show included a United States Open Challenge issued by the champion, Sami Zayn. As The Miz was moving to accept the challenge, he was attacked from behind by Carmelo Hayes. This incident provided an opening for Ilja Dragunov, who made his return after a 13-month absence due to injury, to walk to the ring and accept the championship match.
The title match began with a handshake between Zayn and Dragunov. Later in the contest, Zayn set up for his finishing move, the Helluva Kick. He paused his attempt when Solo Sikoa appeared on the entrance ramp. Sikoa looked toward the ring before walking away. This distraction allowed Dragunov to recover. When Zayn turned his attention back to his opponent, he hit Dragunov with an Exploder suplex.
Zayn then charged at Dragunov, who countered the offensive move with a Torpedo Bomb. Dragunov immediately followed up with the H-Bomb and successfully pinned Zayn to win the match. With the victory, Ilja Dragunov became the new United States Champion.
Following the championship match, members of the MFT faction entered the ring and attacked both Dragunov and Zayn. Fenix ran in to attempt a save but was intercepted by Talla Tonga, who delivered a chokeslam. Solo Sikoa then addressed the audience, stating, “MFT runs SmackDown.” Sikoa continued, “They are going to get back everything his family lost he will make his MFT champions again.”
As MFT stood in the ring, Bray Wyatt appeared on the arena video wall. Wyatt posed a question to the group: “Are they prepared for what’s on the other side?” The MFT members then turned to find the other four members of the Wyatt Sicks faction standing on the ring apron. The two groups stared each other down until MFT exited the ring.
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.@UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR just dethroned @SamiZayn!! 😱 pic.twitter.com/c8DsI8VsIy
— WWE (@WWE) October 18, 2025
