Surprising Star Specifically Chose Ilja Dragunov To Beat Sami Zayn

According to BodySlam Net, the decision to have Zayn lose wasn't just acceptable to him; Zayn himself made the call. Aiming to give Dragunov a career-boosting rub and mark his return with a memorable moment, you could see the elevated effort level by both WWE Superstars in that match. Fans were calling it a shocking moment, and a great display of in-ring mastery, with an ending few saw coming.

Zayn’s U.S. Championship reign had been widely praised. This was his seventh straight title defense on SmackDown, never knowing who his opponent would be. He made his run feeling anything but stale, and his consistent defenses and high-level in-ring performances brought new life to the U.S. title, something Zayn believes Dragunov can continue to do with his run. Choosing Dragunov as his successor was no coincidence. Zayn wanted that belt’s prestige to move on with someone capable of having five-star matches.

A Great Way To Have Dragunov Return To WWE

The match itself was the icing on the cake following Dragunov's shocking return. After over a year sidelined by injury, he came back with a bulkier profile, but the same aggressive in-ring style. Videos and images of the stiff shots exchanged between the two went viral, with Mark Henry of Busted Open saying he hadn't seen that kind of intensity from Zayn since his match with Roman Reigns.

Whether this loss means that Zayn will be taking a small break from WWE isn't clear. Both Zayn and Dragunov were attacked by the MFTs, who left both competitors lying after the match. Perhaps this will lead to some kind of team-up. Then again, the MFTs have their own issues with the Wyatt Sicks.

Zayn's run was memorable, and even though it's over, the title is now around the waist of a competitor who can arguably elevate it even further.