Dragunov US Champion, Rhodes DQ and more: WWE SmackDown Recap

The last episode of “SmackDown” presented key moments that set the course for WWE programming, although it did not reach the intensity of the previous week. Despite this, the event left us with a new champion and conflicts that promise more action.

Dragunov Crowned United States Champion

One of the most outstanding moments was the return of Ilja Dragunov, who defeated Sami Zayn to become the new United States Champion. Dragunov, after overcoming an injury, proved his worth in the ring and won the title in a match full of emotion.

Rhodes getting DQ’d after hitting McIntyre with the belt, which allowed McIntyre to gain the victory and the championship amid Cody’s emotional rage and resulting carelessness.

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• Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss defeated Zaria and Sol Ruca.
• Ilja Dragunov defeated Sami Zayn to become the new United States Champion.
• Motor City Machine Guns defeated Los Garza.
• Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes by DQ.

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.

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Cody Rhodes showed a more aggressive side, using the championship as a weapon against Drew McIntyre. This change in his attitude could hint at a possible turn towards the “heel” side of Rhodes, although it seems unlikely at this moment. The rivalry between McIntyre and Rhodes continues, and the absence of a number one contender adds intrigue to the scene. Jacob Fatu suffered an attack backstage, preventing him from participating in the match for the contender position.

There’s unresolved beef between McIntyre and Rhodes, and a No. 1 contender wasn’t determined on “SmackDown.”

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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.

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Dragunov’s return was a surprise, and his victory over Zayn was a great moment. The match also served to establish possible rivalries, such as Zayn against Solo Sikoa and The MFTs.

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.

— WrestleFeed (@WrestleFeed)

Sami Zayn once again demonstrated his ability to deliver quality matches against any opponent, solidifying his reputation as a versatile wrestler.

Blake Monroe was in the crowd watching Sol Ruca, who she will challenge soon for the NXT Women’s Title, pairing with Zaria in a defeat against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.

— WrestleFeed (@WrestleFeed)

In other events, Blake Monroe was seen in the public, observing Sol Ruca, whom she will challenge for the NXT Women’s Championship. Ruca and Zaria’s defeat against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss seemed rushed, detracting from the expected title match.