Ilja Dragunov is officially back—and heâ€s got gold around his waist to prove it.
WWE released new backstage footage on October 19, 2025, showing Dragunov after what appears to be his United States Championship win. The former NXT Champion returned to television on the October 17 episode of SmackDown from the SAP Center in San Jose, where he stepped up to accept Sami Zaynâ€s open challenge. The crowd gave him a huge welcome after nearly a year off WWE TV.
In the new video, Dragunov opened up about the emotional weight of the past year and the message heâ€s sending to the entire roster now that heâ€s champion.
“Itâ€s been such a long year, and nobody understands how I feel sitting on the sidelines for a year, waiting and hoping and training to come back better. Better than anybody else. More ruthless, more ambitious. Fearless. More courage. All these things and everything that I accomplished over this year, this, itâ€s a symbol of it, me as the United States Champion,†Dragunov said while clutching the title.
He didnâ€t hold back when addressing future challengers either.
“So one thing is so clear to me right now. I get a very, very clear message to everyone who is coming for this. My dear friends and my dear enemies, if you step with me into the ring, pain shall entertain it.â€
Dragunovâ€s return wasnâ€t always meant to go down this way. According to previous reports, his WWE comeback was originally targeted for September and slated for the RAW brand. But plans changed, and insiders said SmackDown needed a “shakeup,†prompting WWE to move Dragunov to Friday nights instead.
Before his time away, Dragunov had close calls in major matchups, including a four-way number one contenderâ€s bout against Jey Uso and a World Heavyweight Title live event clash with Gunther. Now on SmackDown with the U.S. Title, heâ€s been handed a clean slate—and he clearly has no plans to waste it.
Ilja Dragunov made it clear he returned with more than just a comeback in mind—he came back to dominate.
Do you think Dragunovâ€s run as United States Champion will elevate SmackDownâ€s mid-card scene? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let us know what you think.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
October 19, 2025 12:08 pm
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