Ilja Dragunov retained his United States Championship title by defeating Carmelo Hayes in a thrilling match on “WWE SmackDown” this past Friday. The bout was marked by unexpected interference from Tommaso Ciampa, a fact Dragunov was unaware of until he saw the replay after the match.
The match began with a history-laden atmosphere, as commentary revisited the fierce rivalry between Dragunov and Hayes from their NXT days, which included an impressive series of matches. From the outset, Dragunov showcased his strength, dominating the early exchanges. A standout moment came when he delivered a powerful kick to Hayes, sending him crashing off the top turnbuckle and down to the floor.
However, Hayes fought back, countering a German suplex attempt and launching a comeback. The action intensified as both competitors exchanged chops, with Hayes executing a face buster followed by a DDT that dropped Dragunov hard onto the apron. As Hayes climbed the ropes to capitalize on his momentum, Ciampa appeared, yanking him down from the top, unnoticed by both the referee and Dragunov.
Seizing the moment, Dragunov executed his signature Torpedo Moscow and followed it up with the H-Bomb, clinching the victory while Ciampa remained hidden behind the barricade. It wasn’t until Dragunov reached the top of the ramp and caught the replay on the screens that he realized Ciampa’s role in the match, leaving him visibly angry as he headed backstage.
This victory reinforces Dragunov’s championship reign, highlighting not only his resilience in the face of adversity but also the ongoing narratives and rivalries within WWE. The unexpected dynamics of Ciampa’s interference add layers to the championship scene, suggesting that future encounters could be charged with even greater intensity. As fans anticipate the next chapters in these feuds, there is a palpable excitement surrounding the potential matchups to come.