3 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (17 Oct - Results & Review)

1. Ilja Dragunov Stuns Sami Zayn

The Miz put himself forward as a challenger for Sami Zayn (who was determined to wrestle whether GM Nick Aldis wanted it to happen or not), but Carmelo Hayes attacked his old tag partner and to put a stop to that. Seconds after that, the returning Ilja Dragunov answered the call instead, and he ended up dethroning Sami to win the United States Title.

What a cracking moment this turned out to be, and it was an unexpected one considering the strength of Zayn’s ‘Open Challenge’ segments and all of his beef with Solo Sikoa/the MFTs in general. Dragunov coming back from injury to win the gold wasn't on many predictions lists heading into Friday's show. The fact this was a really good match between Sami and Ilja won’t surprise anyone though.

Dragunov’s intensity is infectious and adds a layer of drama to his bouts that often make them must see, and his selling stands out. The way he crumpled to the mat several times after eating a Sami boot looked awesome. This was just really enjoyable wrestling from 2 guys who regularly have some of WWE's greatest matches, and it was lovely to spring another genuine surprise with the title change. Fingers crossed the ‘Open Challenges’ persist, right enough.

SmackDown kinda needs a hook like that every single week.

There's a lot going on with the US Title at the moment. Shinsuke Nakamura is due a rematch after the MFT attack wrecked his first chance, Solo Sikoa is still sniffing around the gold, Sami will want it back as we screech towards WrestleMania season, The Miz may feel he's due a shot at the prize due to Melo's actions (which mirrored his!) and now Ilja is champ. You've got to love that mix of cast members, sub-plots, comebacks and surprises.

What did you think of this week's WWE SmackDown? For more wrestling, check out 10 Worst WWE Moments Of 2005 and 8 New Directions For WWE After Crown Jewel 2025!