Big Angle SCRAPPED From WWE SmackDown (WWE News)

WWE reportedly scrapped a planned angle between The Miz and Ilja Dragunov from format sheets before last weekend's episode of SmackDown went live on the air. WrestleVotes Radio (via Fightful Select) got word that Miz was supposed to attack Dragunov at some point during the broadcast, but that was pulled from even the latest booking drafts before cameras started rolling.

Instead, Miz stared at the lights for old tag-team partner Carmelo Hayes.

Ilja and Miz did interact behind the curtain before that match, but only to set up Hayes vs. Dragunov for the United States Title at some point in the future. WrestleVotes/Fightful hasn't heard whether or not the booking call has been "delayed" or if it's off the table completely - Ilja did previously beat The Miz in singles action on the 30 January SmackDown.

Again, it's unclear whether or not that result had anything to do with WWE pulling the beatdown angle from last week's lineup. There's a chance that the writers will get around to this again eventually. It could even happen on this week's show.

This wasn't included in the news item on Fightful Select, but a Triple Threat for Melo's US gold certainly isn't out of the question. It's become pretty clear to anyone who watches SmackDown weekly that he needs to move on from the established 'Open Challenge' bits he's been working since becoming champ.

Those are a hangover from previous champions like Dragunov and Sami Zayn (who asked John Cena's permission to run them during his own stint with the belt).