Now Reading: Ilja Dragunov Crowned New WWE United States Champion
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Ilja Dragunov Crowned New WWE United States Champion
Ilja Dragunov’s Triumph
In an exhilarating turn of events, the WWE Universe witnessed Ilja Dragunov claim the United States Championship on SmackDown after an impressive comeback from injury. His match against Sami Zayn ended Zayn’s impressive 49-day reign, which was filled with drama and action.
The Match Overview
Returning from a torn ACL injury, Dragunov faced Zayn’s Open Challenge, captivating fans with his performance. The showdown was intense, highlighted by significant moments:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Duration | Approx. 12 minutes |
| Zayn’s Reign Duration | 49 days |
| Dragunov’s Injury | Torn ACL, sidelined for over a year |
Triple H’s Response
Although Triple H missed the match, he expressed his congratulations on social media by sharing a photo celebrating Dragunov’s victory. His support highlights the significance of Dragunov’s championship win.
First Title Defense
Just days after his championship win, Dragunov successfully defended his title against Aleister Black, who came close to dethroning him with the support of Damian Priest. The tension between Black and Priest suggests that the rivalry is far from over.
Dragunov opened up about his journey, vowing to be a fighting champion. He expressed gratitude to the WWE Universe for their unwavering support, marking a significant chapter in his career.
