Ilja Dragunov Claims Championship on WWE SmackDown Return (10/17/23)

This week’s WWE SmackDown, aired on October 17, 2023, showcased significant developments following the WWE Crown Jewel event. The episode featured the highly anticipated return of Ilja Dragunov, alongside confrontations that set the stage for future rivalries.

Ilja Dragunov Claims Championship with a Stunning Return

During the episode, an open challenge for the United States Championship was initiated by GM Nick Aldis. The Miz aimed to answer this challenge, criticizing the current state of the title as “unacceptable.” However, he was ambushed by Carmelo Hayes before he could enter the ring.

Ultimately, Ilja Dragunov was revealed as the opponent for Sami Zayn instead. Dragunov made a powerful return following a severe injury that had sidelined him since September, when he suffered a torn ACL in a match against Gunther.

• Match Highlights: The match featured numerous close calls, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
• Distraction: Solo Sikoa’s interference contributed to Zayn’s downfall, allowing Dragunov to secure victory.

This marks Dragunov’s first title win in WWE after losing the NXT Championship last spring. Fans have eagerly awaited his return, and the anticipation culminated in his triumphant performance.

Wyatt Sicks Clash with MFT

Following the Dragunov vs. Zayn match, the MFT stable launched a surprise attack on both competitors. Rey Fenix attempted to intervene but was quickly overwhelmed. The scene intensified as the lights dimmed, revealing the Wyatt Sicks, who confronted MFT in the ring. This confrontation suggests a brewing rivalry that may culminate in the upcoming Survivor Series: WarGames.

Aleister Black’s Motivations Revealed

A vignette featuring Aleister Black provided insights into his alliance with Zelina Vega. He revealed that their partnership had been in the works for months and described it as a “necessary evil.” Both superstars showcased a strategic mindset in their collaboration.

Main Event: Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes Brawl

In the main event, Drew McIntyre was originally scheduled to fight Jacob Fatu for a No. 1 Contender’s slot. However, after Fatu was mysteriously incapacitated, McIntyre sought to claim the opportunity by default. GM Aldis warned him about his conduct, leading to a surprise appearance by Cody Rhodes.

Though Rhodes was not prepared for a match, he engaged McIntyre, resulting in a chaotic brawl that spilled outside the ring. Rhodes displayed a fierce attitude, ultimately leading to a disqualification when he struck McIntyre with the championship title.

As officials attempted to separate them, tensions escalated, closing the episode with excitement for future encounters. Stay tuned to El-Balad for the latest updates on WWE SmackDown.