SmackDown at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza on December 12, 2025 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. (Photo by WWE)

Ilja Dragunov Defeats Tommaso Ciampa on SmackDown, Carmelo Hayes Saves Him From DIY’s Assault

SmackDown at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza on December 12, 2025 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. (Photo by WWE)

Ilja Dragunov defeated Tommaso Ciampa in a high-intensity match to successfully retain his United States Championship. He has kept his title reign intact for 56 days now with this victory. The heated rivalry started when Ilja Dragunov openly dismissed Tommaso Ciampa as “unworthy” and called him a Jack***. Tommaso Ciampa then caused an interruption in Ilja Dragunov’s match against Carmelo Hayes.

This proved to be fruitful for Tommaso Ciampa as he gained the attention of the Mad Dragon. Ilja Dragunov announced a match against Tommaso Ciampa last week, and these two faced each other in a bloodied match.

.@UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR isn't giving up yet! 👊@CiampaWWE pic.twitter.com/bt9bqiVEww
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2025

Carmelo Hayes Saves Mad Dragon From An After-Match Assault

The match began with a furious exchange where both opponents exchanged chops to start the brutal, hard-hitting encounter. Ciampa went after Ilja Dragunov’s already taxed spine and kept his mind games on to ground the champion. Ilja Dragunov, with the energy he possesses, was able to counter it and throw his opponent off balance.

How did @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR kick out after all that?! @CiampaWWE @JohnnyGargano @CandiceLeRae pic.twitter.com/Go2yejlAw0
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2025

There were numerous interferences during the match from Tommaso Ciampa’s allies, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae, who were lurking by the ring side. Ilja Dragunov was able to make his way through numerous near-falls and delivered his signature Torpedo Moscow, and followed it up with a Back-Folding Press to secure a pinfall victory over Tommaso Ciampa.

.@Carmelo_WWE got his payback 👊 pic.twitter.com/ygpX0XIONC
— WWE (@WWE) December 13, 2025

Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano acted like sour losers and ganged up on Ilja Dragunov. Carmelo Hayes entered the ring and took down both of them and saved Ilja Dragunov from any further assault. He picked Ilja Dragunov, who was already busted open during the match. We might see him in an open challenge match again next week.

Image Credit: WWE.com

Carmelo Hayes

DIY

Friday Night SmackDown

Ilja Dragunov

Ilja Dragunov vs Tommaso Ciampa

Johnny Gargano

Tommaso Ciampa

WWE

WWE SmackDown

Ashish Negi

nfl

wrestling

I am Ashish Negi, and I work as a WWE and NFL writer at The Playoffs. I have 5 years of experience in content writing, and I have written in different domains like Real Estate, but I found my love while writing in sports. I love watching sports and have been a fan of WWE and cricket. I got an opportunity to write full-time on WWE and NFL here, so following the footstep of my hero John Cena, I turn heel on my last company