The WWE SmackDown episode on October 17th delivered a shocking comeback and a championship victory, but also left fans with burning questions and intense rivalries. Will the controversial return of Ilja Dragunov shake up the WWE landscape?
This week's SmackDown followed the dramatic events of WWE Crown Jewel, where the MFT stable's dominance was challenged. The show kicked off with a bold move from Ilja Dragunov, who answered an open challenge for the United States Championship, despite his recent ACL injury. But here's where it gets controversial... Dragunov, known as 'The Mad Dragon', had been rumored to return for months, but his appearance came as a surprise to many. The Miz, who initially wanted to challenge for the title, was attacked by Carmelo Hayes, leaving Dragunov to face Sami Zayn. In a thrilling match, Dragunov secured the win, claiming his first WWE title since his NXT days.
And the drama didn't stop there! The Wyatt Sicks made a powerful statement by confronting MFT after the match, hinting at a potential feud that could lead to Survivor Series: WarGames. The audience was left wondering if this was a planned alliance or a spontaneous act of defiance.
In a revealing vignette, Aleister Black discussed his alliance with Zelina Vega, calling it a 'necessary evil'. Black's return to WWE after his AEW contract ended has been a hot topic, and his partnership with Vega adds an intriguing layer to the story. Vega's cryptic comment, 'The venom isn't poison. It's salvation,' leaves fans speculating about their true intentions.
The main event saw a heated brawl between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, after Jacob Fatu was mysteriously attacked. McIntyre, eager for a title shot, demanded the opportunity, but GM Nick Aldis warned him of consequences. Rhodes, not backing down, took the fight outside the ring, showcasing his aggressive side. The match ended in disqualification, leaving fans wanting more.
As SmackDown concluded, one thing was clear: the WWE universe is in for a wild ride. Will Dragunov's return spark a revolution? Will the Wyatt Sicks' actions lead to an epic showdown? And what secrets does the Black-Vega alliance hold? Share your thoughts below, especially if you have a different take on these controversial storylines!
