What is Going on Between Tommaso Ciampa and Ilja Dragunov on WWE SmackDown?

Since winning the United States Championship, Ilja Dragunov has continued the tradition of open challenges. He has since defeated three competitors in great matches. However, none of those names was Tommaso Ciampa. That is a big problem, at least from Ciampa’s point of view. On the October 31, 2025, episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown, Nathan Frazer answered Dragunov’s challenge. But before he could get in the ring, an angry Ciampa demanded an opportunity.

It was denied after Frazer came out without a temper. The November 7 episode of SmackDown had him denied once again. His tag team partner, Johnny Gargano, was handpicked to face Dragunov for the title. For two straight weeks, he has been insistent on getting an opportunity for the United States Championship, which has been instantly denied. Why is he acting like that, and what could be the end goal between the two men? 

WWE Wants to Hold Off Until a PLE for the Match 

Ciampa and Dragunov are two of the most influential and successful NXT wrestlers of all time. They both have had several memorable moments that defined them as special, as well as great NXT Championship runs. However, they missed each other by mere months.

Of course, Dragunov had a successful run in NXT UK, but came over when Ciampa just came up to the main roster. They haven’t had a match yet in the company. WWE knows this, which is why Ciampa’s behavior could be stalling until they figure out a PLE to put the match on.

Two accomplished men having their first match together is worthy of a PLE setting. They could wrestle at Survivor Series: WarGames or at the Royal Rumble if they really want an incensed Ciampa. But his behavior now will more than likely justify a match at an upcoming PLE. 

Dragunov Has No Tolerance for Disrespectful Behavior 

Ciampa’s behavior could be behind the eventual match going to a PLE. But there could be a much simpler reason for Dragunov’s denial. He came up on the European circuit, just like Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser. Like them, he is also very serious and takes wrestling as no laughing matter. Seeing someone with Ciampa’s behavior would disgust them, just like it has disgusted him. He always carries himself in a respectful manner, something Ciampa hasn’t been doing for the past two weeks.

He isn’t denying his requests because he is scared of losing his championship. Instead, he sees Ciampa as an unworthy opponent due to his unchecked anger and rage. Until he asks for an opportunity nicely and in an elegant way, he will continue to be rejected. Dragunov wants a level-headed and calm opponent, which Ciampa has not been since wanting the United States Championship. 

What Will Happen to Set Up the Match? 

It’s clear that Ciampa and Dragunov’s first-time match in WWE will happen soon. But to know the motivation behind the match, the first thing that needs to be examined is Ciampa’s behavior. For two weeks in a row, Dragunov has rejected him for a United States Championship match opportunity. WWE knows how popular the two of them are, so they have to build a match for an upcoming PLE. To get a story going, Ciampa has to be as angry as possible to provoke Dragunov into making a match for a PLE.