WWE Universe was treated to a night of electrifying moments on the October 17 episode of SmackDown at the SAP Center, as over 11,000 fans witnessed one of the most anticipated returns of the year. While the show featured plenty of familiar faces, it was the unexpected comeback of Ilja Dragunov that truly stole the spotlight.
Sami Zayn opens US title challenge
The evening began with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes addressing the crowd, setting the tone for a high-stakes episode. Sami Zayn followed with his weekly US Championship open challenge, ready to test his rivals in front of a packed arena. The Miz quickly stepped up, only to be blindsided by Carmelo Hayes, evening the odds between the former partners and adding a layer of unpredictability to the match.
Ilja Dragunov returns in spectacular fashion
Just as fans were settling into the usual SmackDown rhythm, the arena erupted when Ilja Dragunov’s music hit. The Mad Dragon, returning after a lengthy 404-day hiatus due to a right knee injury, immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention. His last televised appearance was in a fatal four-way match on RAW on September 9 against Jey Uso, Braun Strowman, and Pete Dunne — making this comeback all the more dramatic.
The energy in the arena was palpable as Dragunov made his way to the ring, instantly positioning himself as the next contender for the US Championship. His arrival sparked an immediate feud, signaling that the WWE creative team has big plans for the returning star.
The road ahead for WWE
With Dragunov back, SmackDown’s landscape just shifted dramatically. Sami Zayn, Carmelo Hayes, and The Miz now face a fresh and formidable threat, setting up potential blockbuster matchups. Fans can expect the rivalry to intensify leading into Wrestlepalooza and future pay-per-view events, with Dragunov’s return serving as a catalyst for exciting storylines.