Ilja Dragunov bleeding profusely during recent title defense on SmackDown

Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov is the current United States Champion (Image credit: WWE.com)

Ilja Dragunov defended his title again tonight on SmackDown. He was busted open during the match.

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Ilja Dragunov returned from injury and immediately won the United States Championship from Sami Zayn. Following this, he continued the tradition of the US Open Challenge and has defended the title every week in intense matches. One man has made it clear he wants a title shot - Tommaso Ciampa. However, The Mad Dragon has denied him a title match. Therefore, Ciampa took matters into his own hands last week and interfered during Dragunov's title match and helped him win, which didn't sit well with the United States Champion.

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Therefore, tonight on WWE SmackDown, Dragunov defended his title against Tommaso Ciampa. Both men put on an intense match that was very physical. Dragunov was busted open and bleeding profusely from his nose after exchanging strikes with Ciampa in the corner. Johnny Gargano showed up during the match and distracted the referee. Candice LeRae attacked Dragunov, allowing Ciampa to take advantage. Despite this, Ilja was able to win the match. Following this bout, Gargano and Ciampa jumped the United States Champion from behind. Fortunately, Carmelo Hayes came out to make the save.

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Ilja Dragunov was called out for wrestling dangerously on WWE SmackDown

On the 31st October episode of SmackDown, Ilja Dragunov defended his title against Nathan Frazer. During the match, he hit a dangerous-looking German suplex outside on the floor.

Speaking on The Stevie Richards Show, the former WWE star said the move reminded him of the spot between Big E and Ridge Holland, which ended the former's career.

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"This here gives me vibes of Ridge Holland and Big E. Why are you giving any suplexes like this on the floor? Why? And he says nothing personal before he does it."

It will be interesting to see who will be next to challenge The Mad Dragon for the title.

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Edited by Sunil Joseph
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