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Tag: Ilja Dragunov

  • WWE Star Comments On Getting ‘Buried’ By Brock Lesnar

    WWE Star Comments On Getting ‘Buried’ By Brock Lesnar

    Ilja Dragunov is proud of his moment with Brock Lesnar.

    The former US Champion got to share the ring with the Beast Incarnate briefly during the Royal Rumble match this year. Dragunov did his best to make a dent in Lesnar’s armour, but Brock no-sold all his offence, and the former World Champion ended up eliminating Ilja with little difficulty.

    The Mad Dragon opened up about the notion that the former UFC star buried him during their exchange in a recent interview with Adrian Hernandez. Ilja Dragunov claimed that just getting the chance to share the ring with an influential talent like Lesnar was stunning:

    “Guys, please. I was toe-to-toe in front of Brock Lesnar. How many people in this lifetime can do this? Brock Lesnar has been so influential and so significant for the entire history of this company. Having the chance to just have this moment that was perfectly expressing who I am, is just stunning.”

    I Take It As A Medal: Ilja Dragunov

    Ilja Dragunov explained that losing the fight to Lesnar did not diminish his character at all. According to the 32-year-old, it only strengthened his image as someone who faces his fears head-on, no matter the consequences:

    “Of course you’re gonna lose fights in your life. But the person that Ilja Dragunov is, is I’m gonna step up, I’m gonna face my fear, I’m not gonna hold back. And if I need to suffer the punishment from that, I gladly will do so.

    And some people will not understand that, and say, oh he got just ragdolled out of it, but I take it as a medal towards myself that I brought the best fight that I could bring to the absolute beast.”

    The SmackDown star was taken out of the US title picture after the Brock Lesnar exchange and he also ended up missing WrestleMania. You can check out what Dragunov said about the Mania exclusion here.

  • Ilja Dragunov Reacts To Being Left Off the WrestleMania Card

    Ilja Dragunov Reacts To Being Left Off the WrestleMania Card

    Ilja Dragunov is keeping things positive.

    People have been frustrated with both Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes being taken out of the US Title picture weeks before WrestleMania. The two had been involved in an intense rivalry over the belt leading up to the Show of Shows, and fans feel disappointed that neither of them have been given a place on the PPV card.

    The Russian star was asked about this turn of events and if he felt disappointed at not getting the chance to showcase his talent at the biggest stage of them all during his recent interview with Ringer Wrestling. Though Ilja Dragunov did not complain about the situation, claiming that nobody can take away what he and Carmelo Hayes have achieved working together both in NXT and main roster:

    “I mean, you kind of roll with the punches in life. What would you say? Disappointment is such a hard word. I’m literally living my absolute best life. I have amazing performances with Carmelo. And I think honestly everything that we achieved together from NXT to the main roster.

    Not having a match at WrestleMania this year is only one thing that we don’t have, compared to all the things that we achieved in front of the audience. All the memories and moments we gave to the people that were watching us fighting. There’s nothing that anyone can take away from us. And people will remember this. Somewhere down the line, it’s all gonna make sense.”

    Dragunov later mentioned how Carmelo Hayes has developed a genuine connection with the crowd in his two years on the main roster. He claimed that not having a match at WrestleMania will not do any harm to that. Hayes himself had also spoken on this topic recently, though he was not so positive. You can check out his comments here.

  • Big Title Change On Last SmackDown of 2025

    Carmleo Hayes is finally a champion again.

    The former NXT star had challenged Ilja Dragunov for the US title on the December 5 SmackDown. This match had ended with Tommaso Ciampa costing Melo the bout, without the champion\’s knowledge.

    The two opponents then teamed up on last week\’s episode of the Blue Branded show to face DIY, where Hayes picked up the victory for his team.

    As a result, Dragunov met the former NXT Champion in a backstage segment this Friday night. Ilja revealed his intention to close the US title open challenge, but offered Carmelo a title rematch out of respect.

    Both opponents gave everything they had in the bout that took place later in the show. Many have called it a PPV-quality match from the two young stars. In the end, Carmelo Hayes picked up the victory with Nothing But Net, becoming the new US Champion.

    This is the first main roster title for the 31-year-old since he made his SmackDown debut as the third overall draft pick back in April 2024. He had won multiple belts in NXT, which included the Cruiserweight and North American Titles as well.

    This title change ends Ilja Dragunov\’s run with the championship at 70 days. He had defeated Sami Zayn during a SmackDown episode back in August for the championship.

    Bruce Prichard On Rumors of Backstage Rivalry With Triple H

  • WWE SmackDown Tonight (Dec 19, 2025): Priest Targeted, DIY Battle, Women\’s Tag Action

    Live from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan

    WWE SmackDown heads to Grand Rapids for the final episode before the holidays, serving as the fallout show from Saturday Night\’s Main Event, where John Cena wrestled his final match ever. The show also addresses the fallout from Drew McIntyre\’s attack on Cody Rhodes during his match with NXT Champion Oba Femi. With multiple storylines heating up heading into the new year, tonight\’s episode promises significant developments across multiple feuds.

    Match Card

    • Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes vs. DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa)
    • Nia Jax & Lash Legend vs. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
    • JC Mateo & Tonga Loa vs. The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) – No Contest Expected

    Damian Priest Under Siege

    Following the Terror Twins\’ victory over Aleister Black and Zelina Vega at last week\’s SmackDown, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley reunited to defeat the married couple in mixed tag team action. However, the feud appears far from over. Sources have identified that Black and Zelina will launch another assault on Priest during tonight\’s broadcast.

    The Archer of Infamy recently enlisted Ripley\’s help after months of dealing with Black\’s mind games and Zelina\’s interference. While the Terror Twins secured the win last week with their signature Razor\’s Edge combination and Ripley\’s Riptide, Black has shown no signs of backing down. With Ripley currently focused on her own rivalries on Raw, Priest may find himself outnumbered once again when Black and Zelina strike.

    This feud dates back several months, with Black defeating Priest in a Last Man Standing Match thanks to Zelina\’s involvement. Black then escalated matters by blasting Priest in the face with a fireball. Tonight\’s attack could set up a stipulation match or further enlarge this personal rivalry heading into the Royal Rumble season.

    Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes vs. DIY

    In an unlikely pairing, United States Champion Ilja Dragunov teams with Carmelo Hayes to battle the veteran duo of DIY. This match brings together four competitors with vastly different recent trajectories on SmackDown.

    Dragunov successfully retained his United States Championship against Tommaso Ciampa last week after weeks of Ciampa\’s psychological warfare. The Mad Dragon has made it clear he wants to carry the title with honor, refusing backup from Nathan Frazer and Axiom despite Ciampa\’s mind games. His partnership with Hayes tonight represents an intriguing dynamic, as both men possess intense, high-impact styles.

    Hayes, meanwhile, was part of John Cena\’s Last Time is Now Tournament last month, advancing past Bronson Reed before falling to Gunther in the quarterfinals. The former NXT Champion continues seeking his footing on the main roster, and a victory over the established DIY could provide significant momentum.

    Johnny Gargano and Ciampa reformed DIY earlier this year, and despite their recent setbacks, they remain one of the most accomplished tag teams in WWE history. Ciampa\’s frustration after failing to capture the United States Championship could make him especially dangerous tonight. The chemistry between Gargano and Ciampa contrasts sharply with the ad hoc pairing of Dragunov and Hayes, potentially giving DIY the advantage.

    Women\’s Tag Team Action

    Nia Jax and Lash Legend face The Kabuki Warriors in what promises to be a physical encounter. Jax and Legend have been aligned for several weeks, targeting former WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair. The duo secured a victory last week, and tonight they look to continue building momentum.

    The Kabuki Warriors, Asuka and Kairi Sane, represent one of the most decorated teams in women\’s wrestling history. Their speed and technical prowess clash with the power-based offense of Jax and the athleticism of Legend. Following their match, expect Bliss and Flair to make an appearance, as their rivalry with Jax and Legend remains unresolved heading into the new year.

    The Wyatt Sicks Continue Their Chaos

    The mysterious Wyatt Sicks faction faces MFT members JC Mateo and Tonga Loa in what\’s expected to end in chaos rather than a clean finish. Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis have been wreaking havoc on SmackDown since their arrival, and their unpredictable nature makes any match involving them a potential spectacle.

    The MFTs, representing the Sol Ruca-aligned group, have struggled to contain the psychological warfare employed by The Wyatt Sicks. Tonight\’s no-contest will likely see the faction\’s full presence felt, potentially setting up a larger confrontation down the line.

    Segments to Watch

    Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre Fallout: After McIntyre\’s interference ruined Rhodes\’ match with Oba Femi at Saturday Night\’s Main Event, the Undisputed WWE Champion will likely address the ongoing harassment from The Scottish Psychopath. Rhodes earned a WWE Championship match against McIntyre on Raw after their recent brawl at Rhodes\’ home, and tonight could feature further developments in this intensely personal rivalry.

    Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Jacob Fatu Appearances: Multiple top stars are advertised for tonight\’s show, suggesting potential segment work or surprise confrontations that could set up future matches and storylines.

    Looking Ahead

    • SmackDown expands to three hours starting January 3, 2025, from Phoenix, Arizona
    • The Royal Rumble season approaches, with storylines beginning to take shape for the January 31 event
    • Cody Rhodes\’ next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship remains unclear beyond his upcoming match with Drew McIntyre
    • The United States Championship picture continues to develop with multiple contenders circling Ilja Dragunov
    • Women\’s division rivalries intensify heading into the new year with multiple unresolved feuds

    WWE SmackDown airs tonight at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT on the USA Network from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.