Ilja Dragunov pulled off another successful title defence on WWE SmackDown, defeating Johnny Gargano. Johnny Gargano had Candice LeRae by his ringside, who caused numerous distractions from outside, but Ilja Dragunov still managed to secure a pinfall victory over him. The champion has already defeated Aleister Black and Nathan Frazer in the past two weeks.
Ilja Dargunov continued the US title Open Challenge on Friday Night SmackDown when Tommaso Ciampa entered the ring to show his contendership for the title. The Champion played mind games and gave the title match to his tag team partner, Johnny Gargano. Tommaso Ciampa could do nothing but ask his tag team partner, Johnny Gargano, to win the WWE United States Championship for him.
Started by the legend, John Cena, and taken forward by Sami Zayn after becoming the WWE United States Champion, there have been nineteen United States Open challenge matches in 2025 alone. Sami Zayn lost the title to Ilja Dragunov, and he is taking it forward now. Three successful title defences in back-to-back weeks takes a toll on your body, but for Ilja Dragunov, it’s his everyday workout routine.
Johnny Gargano proved to be a tough challenger as he tested Ilja Dragunov to his last bit. The momentum shifted like a pendulum during the match, making it a nearfall fest. Dragunov was finally able to overpower Johnny Gargano and secure a pinfall victory to retain his title.
Ilja Dragunov will throw another WWE United States Open Challenge, and we might know who his opponent will be next week. Going by the scenes of tonight, where Tama Tonga confronted Ilja Dragunov, and then Solo Sikoa asked him to bring the title back to the family, it would be Tama Tonga vs. Ilja Dragunov next week.
Image Credit: WWE.com
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