Ilja Dragunov Beats Johnny Gargano in Impressive Showing on 11/7 WWE SmackDown

Ilja Dragunov’s run as United States Champion has been filled with lots of great matches so far. After defeating Sami Zayn for the title, he has beaten Aleister Black and Nathan Frazer. Who was going to face him in an open challenge for the third consecutive week? The November 7, 2025, episode of Friday Night SmackDown featured the answer of an unsuspecting opponent.

Last week, Frazer accepted the open challenge. But Tommaso Ciampa wanted his shot at the title. Dragunov yelled at him for being disrespectful and granted Frazer the opportunity.

This week, Ciampa was back, wanting his opportunity. Yet again, he dismissed him. But it wasn’t for another random wrestler. Instead, he granted a match to his DIY stablemate, Johnny Gargano. Was Gargano going to claim the title for himself, or would Dragunov retain it yet again?

Dragunov Shows Off Impressive Moves in Key Victory

This match was actually an unexpected one for a big reason. Ciampa came out believing that he was going to face Dragunov by answering his open challenge. Once again, Dragunov dismissed his willingness to face him for his title. Gargano was chosen, which was a surprise.

Given the look on his face, it seemed like he was not ready for a fight. But Ciampa reassured him, and he took the fight on for both of them. He may have looked surprised, but everyone knows his resume. He’s an NXT Triple Crown Champion who has had several brilliant matches over the years. If there’s someone who has a realistic chance of beating Dragunov, it’s Gargano.

Right from the start, Dragunov had a disadvantage. Ciampa distracted him, causing Gargano to make the first move. The match was very back and forth. Both men’s impressive offense caused them each to have momentum at various points in time. However, Gargano made a mistake that he couldn’t come back from.

After pulling Dragunov to the edge of the ropes, he went to the outside. He tried to jump on him, but got kicked in the face. Dragunov smashed his face into the turnbuckle and flipped him into the ring onto his back. He then delivered the H-Bomb and applied the pin. The referee delivered the three-count, and he retained the championship once again.