Ever since winning the WWE United States Championship from Sami Zayn in October, Ilja Dragunov has taken the mantle of the US Title Open Challenge and continued to defend the gold consistently.
After victories over Nathan Frazer, Johnny Gargano and Axiom, “The Mad Dragon” has made it feel like just about anyone could answer his open challenge on any given week.
From underutilized talent on Raw and SmackDown to those from the NXT roster waiting for a big opportunity, there are a wide variety of possible opponents that could step up next for their big chance to become U.S. Champion.
Here are eight next potential Ilja Dragunov WWE US Title Open Challenge opponents on SmackDown.
8. Tommaso Ciampa
Over the past month, fans have watched Tommaso Ciampa chasing Ilja Dragunov for a shot at the United States Championship after coming up short in the first open challenge for the new titleholder.
Despite answering the open challenge recently, Ciampa was unable to get his rightful shot at the gold because Dragunov decided to give the opportunity to his DIY partner Johnny Gargano.
After being dubbed a “jackass” by Dragunov, it seems like Ciampa will continue his pursuit of the title until he is given the opportunity he wants so badly.
Dragunov finally giving in to defend his title against Ciampa could lead to a showstealing bout between two of the better in-ring competitors on Friday Night SmackDown right now.
Click the next page button below for more
7. Tama Tonga
While Tommaso Ciampa has been more overt with his desire to become the new United States Champion, Tama Tonga has been hiding in the background and following Ilja Dragunov around for the past few weeks.
The MFTs member has made it clear that he plans on eventually answering the US Title Open Challenge, but he has instead decided to stalk Dragunov before he takes his shot.
With all these teases, it seems clear that Tonga will be taking his shot and wants to bring the gold back to Solo Sikoa and The MFTs.
Tama Tonga could be in line for his biggest push yet if he is able to dethrone Ilja Dragunov to claim the WWE United States Championship during the next open challenge.
Click the next page button below for more
6. Bronson Reed
2025 has been one of the best years of the entire career of Bronson Reed with the Australian star getting his biggest push.
Aligning with Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman and Bron Breakker, Reed has become an important part of The Vision and recently scored a huge victory over Roman Reigns in his home country at WWE Crown Jewel 2025.
Now known as “The Tribal Thief,” fans can expect Reed to continue to Tsunami his way to the very top of WWE.
Reed feels like someone with enough momentum to become a serious threat to Ilja Dragunov’s current reign on SmackDown, if he was to answer the US Title Open Challenge.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Montez Ford
Following his win over Tommaso Ciampa in his first United States Championship Open Challenge, Ilja Dragunov stated that this opportunity is open to anyone on the SmackDown roster, including tag team wrestlers.
Since then, the former NXT Champion has battled quite a few members of key tag teams on the SmackDown brand, such as Nathan Frazer, Axiom and Johnny Gargano.
Looking at the SmackDown tag team division, there might not be anyone who seems more destined to rise the ranks and become a main event talent more than Montez Ford.
The Street Profits member has been on the brink of elevating up the card as a singles star for years, but the US Title Open Challenge could be his chance to be launched to superstardom without Angelo Dawkins by his side.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Ethan Page
Ethan Page has earned the reputation as one of the most complete and versatile performers on the NXT brand today.
The current NXT North American Champion has proven himself inside the squared circle, on the microphone and as a character to the point that it is clear he is ready for the next step of his career.
“All Ego” checks every box necessary to be a main roster star and might use the United States Championship Open Challenge as his way to find a permanent home on SmackDown.
With his AAA Mixed Tag Team Champion partner Chelsea Green on the blue brand, it would make a ton of sense for Ethan Page to move to Friday nights to join her and take this opportunity for gold on his first official night on SmackDown.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Chad Gable
Over this past summer, it was revealed that Chad Gable had suffered a serious undisclosed injury that required surgery and would keep him out of action.
The former Olympian had risen the ranks and become one of the most dependable in-ring competitors on the WWE main roster today.
Considering his superb in-ring acumen, Gable feels like someone who could go toe-to-toe and match up very well with Ilja Dragunov if he answered the US Title Open Challenge.
Gable clashing with Dragunov for the title upon his return would immediately throw him into the fire and show if he is back even better than before.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Trick Williams
During his time on WWE NXT, Ilja Dragunov developed a friendship and rivalry with Trick Williams that became one of the highlighted feuds for the brand in 2023 and 2024.
After failing to beat him numerous times, Williams was finally able to vanquish “The Mad Dragon” when he dethroned Dragunov for the NXT Championship in April of last year.
Considering how often they faced each other and this success against the champion, Trick has the knowledge and history that should make him a favorite to answer the open challenge to win.
Trick Williams has become one of the biggest success stories in NXT history and could take the next step in his career by answering Ilja Dragunov’s United States Championship to capture gold on the next level.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Oba Femi
Since making his WWE NXT debut, Oba Femi has completely taken the brand by storm and been an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.
“The Ruler” made history when he set the record for the longest reign as NXT North American Champion and then reached further heights by winning the NXT Championship to start 2025.
With a second reign possible against Ricky Saints at WWE NXT Deadline 2025. It feels like Femi might be on the brand for a little while longer, but it could just be a distraction before his goals are altered.
Oba Femi making his main roster debut by defeating Ilja Dragunov for the US Title would immediately thrust him directly in the spotlight and make him a potential future top star on the WWE main roster.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…