Dragunov Champion, Rhodes DQ and more: WWE SmackDown Recap

The last episode of “SmackDown” presented a show with ups and downs, although it left memorable moments. The night crowned a new champion and offered unexpected twists in the existing rivalries.

Dragunov Dethrones Zayn

Ilja Dragunov’s return to WWE action marked a milestone, after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered more than a year ago. Dragunov responded to the open challenge for Sami Zayn’s United States Championship, providing an electrifying encounter. Solo Sikoa’s intervention was key, distracting Zayn and allowing Dragunov to execute his “Torpedo Moscow” and an “H-Bomb” to secure the victory and the championship.

There’s unresolved beef between McIntyre and Rhodes, and a No. 1 contender wasn’t determined on “SmackDown.” Fatu had trussing pushed onto him in a gruesome scene that saw him on the floor backstage bleeding from the mouth with teeth knocked out, unable to compete in the No. 1 contendership match. Fatu has been strong in his interactions with Rhodes and McIntyre, but if reports about Fatu being injured are true, then he can definitely step right back into the title picture upon his return.

Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeated Zaria and Sol Ruca.

Cody Rhodes: A New Dark Side?

Cody Rhodes showed a more aggressive side, using the championship as a weapon against Drew McIntyre. This change could be an indication of a possible “heel” turn for Rhodes, although it seems unlikely at this moment, especially considering his position as a central figure after John Cena’s imminent departure in December.

We saw a more aggressive side of Rhodes — dark colors, using the championship as a weapon against McIntyre — though it’s likely because he is fed up with McIntyre’s antics. But it was also a small glimpse into what a heel Rhodes could look like — a possibility always on the minds of some WWE fans. But that seems unlikely at the moment since Rhodes is in line to take over all of the responsibilities as the face of the WWE with John Cena retiring in December. Though I can definitely see different sides of his character, I don’t see him becoming a full-fledged heel in the near future.

The match for the undisputed title, which unexpectedly arose after an attack on Jacob Fatu in the backstage area, culminated in Rhodes’ disqualification after hitting McIntyre with the belt.

Cody Rhodes, the heel?

The rivalry between McIntyre and Rhodes remains unresolved, and a number one contender was not determined on “SmackDown.” The attack on Fatu, who suffered an injury that prevented him from competing, adds intrigue to the situation. If the information about Fatu’s injury is true, he could rejoin the fight for the title upon his return.

There’s unresolved beef between McIntyre and Rhodes, and a No. 1 contender wasn’t determined on “SmackDown.” Fatu had trussing pushed onto him in a gruesome scene that saw him on the floor backstage bleeding from the mouth with teeth knocked out, unable to compete in the No. 1 contendership match. Fatu has been strong in his interactions with Rhodes and McIntyre, but if reports about Fatu being injured are true, then he can definitely step right back into the title picture upon his return.

The confrontation between Zayn and Sikoa, which doesn’t necessarily require a championship at stake, could continue. The post-match attack on Zayn and Dragunov, added to Tama Tonga’s intervention against Rey Fenix, could sow the seeds for future confrontations between the MFT and this group of wrestlers, including Zayn, Dragunov, Fenix, and Shinsuke Nakamura. The inclusion of The Wyatt Sicks adds more rival options, especially for Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29.

Dragunov returned to WWE action for the first time since suffering a torn ACL over a year ago. He answered Sami Zayn’s U.S. Title Open Challenge call and it was a terrific match. Solo Sikoa made his presence felt during the match and distracted Zayn just enough for Dragunov to capitalize and hit a Torpedo Moscow followed by an H-Bomb to win the U.S. Championship. This match served a lot of great purposes. We got the element of surprise, not only because of Dragunov’s return, but his title victory leads nicely into an eventual Zayn vs. Sikoa and the MFTs — who attacked both Zayn and Dragunov postmatch. Zayn vs. Sikoa is a rivalry that doesn’t necessarily need a championship on the line. Rey Fenix tried to come to aid Zayn and Dragunov, but he was flattened by Tama Tonga. This set of events might have planted the seed for the MFTs against this collection of wrestlers they have attacked upon their return — Zayn, Dragunov, Fenix, Shinsuke Nakamura and one more? The Wyatt Sicks are also in the mix, which gives the MFTs no shortage of opponents, especially for Survivor Series: WarGames on Nov. 29.

Zayn once again demonstrated his ability to deliver quality matches against any opponent, while Blake Monroe watched from the audience Sol Ruca, whom he will soon challenge for the NXT Women’s Title. The match between Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss against Zaria and Sol Ruca seemed rushed, with the focus on the NXT Women’s Title match.

Zayn once again proved that he can put on a quality match with any opponent, whether it’s a legend, high flyer, technician or a Superstar returning from injury. He did all of the above during his U.S. Open Title Challenge run.