Ilya Dragunov Captures WWE United States Championship in Return From Injury
Pittsburgh, PA – October 18, 2025 – Ilya Dragunov triumphed over Logan Paul and Kevin Owens in a Triple Threat match on SmackDown tonight, winning the United States Championship and claiming the title for the first time in his WWE career. The victory marked Dragunov’s return to the ring after a year-long absence due to a torn ACL.
The win is a significant moment for Dragunov, who suffered the injury in a September 2024 match against Gunther. His comeback was signaled earlier on October 18th with reports of Dragunov training backstage at the PPG Paints Arena while wearing a knee brace – the same brace he sported during the championship contest. The outcome dramatically shifts the landscape of the United States Championship scene,introducing a new,formidable titleholder as the company heads toward it’s fall programming.
The match saw a chaotic finish, with Dragunov capitalizing on the rivalry between Paul and Owens.Following the bout, Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline’s other members attacked both Paul and owens. Rey Fenix, previously assaulted by the group earlier in the evening, attempted to intervene but was overwhelmed by the numbers advantage. As Sikoa began a post-match address, a sudden power outage plunged the arena into darkness, allowing The Wyatt Six to appear on the ring apron.A tense staredown ensued before Sikoa and his associates retreated, bringing the segment to a close.
