3 wrestlers who might challenge Ilja Dragunov for the United States Championship

Overview

• Ilja Dragunov won the United States Championship on his return on Friday Night SmackDown by dethroning Sami Zayn
• The Czar of NXT might have a rematch with Sami for the title in the upcoming weeks in a similar US Title Open Challenge
• Ilja might also have feuds with Alesiter Black and Carmelo Hayes for the US Title

Ilja Dragunov won the United States Championship on his return on Friday Night SmackDown by dethroning Sami Zayn. The Czar of NXT had a fine return, as he won his first time in the main roster. Dragunov was out of action for over a year due to an ACL tear. 

Ilja is someone who is great as an in-ring performer. He is very good on the mic and has great character development. His storytelling ablity is good and can make anyone look good. Dragunov was set for a push in early 2025, which was halted due to his injury. However, the creative during his return has been good so far.

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When he returned, things weren't expected to be smooth, as Ilja wore crutches to wrestle, similar to Charlotte Flair. To his credit, Ilja delivered a great match, along with Sami and ended up becoming the champion. It has opened up possibilities for new feuds with potentially the continuation of the US Title Open Challenge.

3 wrestlers who might challenge Ilja Dragunov for the United States Championship

Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn might get his rematch very soon for the US Title, whose value was increased by none other than himself. The star wrestler might either ask for it himself, or Dragunov could offer it himself in the name of giving Sami an opportunity to have a shot at it.

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There might be bigger things planned for Sami for the future, where he could potentially win the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. The best way to kick things off would be to have him attacked by someone like Brock Lesnar during the match, which could lead to their feud.

Aleister Black

Aleister Black is currently in a feud with Damian Priest, where he has alligned himself with his wife, Zelina Vega. However, that need not stop him from challenging Ilja for the US Title. There could be potential interference from the former world champion, which could potetially lead to even triple-threat matches.

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Black is someone who is known for his great character work and storytelling. On the other hand, Ilja is the epitome of a tough man who can take all the pain in the world to entertain the fans. Their story could be great and might lead to some fine matches on TV.

Carmelo Hayes

Carmelo Hayes has history with Dragunov, as the duo were two of the NXT Champions in the past when they were in the developmental brand. Melo has been currently in a feud with The Miz. It might take some time for Hayes to get rid of The Miz to move to something different.

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Whe he becomes free, Hayes could go after the US Title. The emerging star had a chance at it when Sami was the champion. Given his history with Ilja, there could be a good feud between the two. Ilja might well drop the title to Carmelo to give him his first big moment on the main roster.