On the October 17 edition of WWE SmackDown, Ilja Dragunov made his return by answering Sami Zayn’s open challenge and winning the United States Championship.
Continuing on the tradition that Zayn reintroduced after the approval of John Cena, Dragunov has decided to keep the open challenge going.
‘The Mad Dragon’ could hold his latest open challenge on the October 31 edition of SmackDown where any number of stars on the WWE roster could potentially answer to get their opportunity in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Here are eight WWE stars to potentially answer Ilja Dragunov’s open challenge on SmackDown.
8. Nathan Frazer
On the October 24 episode of SmackDown, Ilja Dragunov defeated Aleister Black to retain the United States Championship.
Following the win, Dragunov ran into Fraxiom where he let them both know that the United States Championship Open Challenge is open to tag teams as well.
Nathan Frazer has proven to be one of the most impressive and fastest in-ring competitors in WWE today.
Having Frazer use his speed to keep Dragunov on his back foot would create an intriguing battle over the US Title on SmackDown.
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7. Axiom
Speaking of Nathan Frazer, his tag team partner Axiom could make an even better challenger for Ilja Dragunov.
With both members of Fraxiom being in WWE NXT alongside Dragunov during his time on the brand, Axiom could have the proper experience to have some kind of advantage against the champion.
While Fraxiom have established themselves in the SmackDown tag team division, both men could still make their mark on the singles scene.
Axiom facing off with Dragunov would give him an opponent that has the speed along with the technical ability to match ‘The Mad Dragon.’
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6. El Hijo del Vikingo
Ever since WWE announced the acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA, El Hijo del Vikingo has been front and center as the top star of the promotion.
The two-time AAA Mega Champion has been featured at the forefront of the company, while also being in the main event picture for the WWE & AAA Worlds Collide events in 2025.
While the likes of Mr Iguana, La Parka and Psycho Clown have all competed on WWE TV, Vikingo has yet to have an official match on Raw, SmackDown, NXT or a PLE.
Vikingo answering Ilja Dragunov’s United States Championship Open Challenge would thrust the luchador right into the spotlight on WWE SmackDown right from his official in-ring debut.
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5. Montez Ford
Despite the Street Profits being one of the most decorated tag teams in all of WWE, many fans have brought up Montez Ford for a singles run.
Ford has been a consistent highlight in the WWE tag team division, but he has also gotten the chance to be a singles star as well and shined every single time.
While the Street Profits should always be in line for an opportunity at championship gold, it might be a great time for Ford to explore a singles career now that they have lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to The Wyatt Sicks.
With Ilja Dragunov stating the United States Championship Open Challenge is open to those in tag teams, Montez Ford might have found his perfect opportunity to get singles success in WWE by answering the challenge.
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4. Ethan Page
As of late, Ethan Page has been mentioned among the best wrestlers in all of WWE NXT right now.
Holding the NXT North American Championship, ‘All Ego’ has found a new stride and could be getting himself ready for the move to the WWE main roster.
Now having the chance to also hold championship gold in Lucha Libre AAA, Page might not stop there when given the same opportunity on Friday Night SmackDown.
Page showing up to answer Ilja Dragunov’s United States Championship Open Challenge would immediately make him a star to watch and someone who could turn the entire SmackDown brand on its head from day one.
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3. Joe Hendry
“Say his name and he appears” has become a commonly heard catchphrase across WWE and TNA Wrestling television throughout 2025 thanks to Joe Hendry.
This year, Hendry has seen his popularity soar to new heights by winning the TNA World Title, debuting in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Match and even making a surprise appearance to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41.
Despite still being under a TNA Wrestling contract, Hendry has continued to show up on WWE NXT as of late.
With his allegiance not confirmed as of yet, Hendry could come in to answer Ilja Dragunov’s United States Championship Open Challenge and put some eyes back on him before he becomes a free agent in 2026.
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2. Oba Femi
At WWE NXT No Mercy 2025, Ricky Saints defeated Oba Femi to win the NXT Championship.
Since losing the top prize on WWE NXT, Femi has not been seen on the brand with many fans believing his time to head up to the main roster is now.
‘The Ruler’ debuting on Raw or SmackDown has been highly anticipated for quite some time thanks to his utter dominance over the NXT brand.
Answering Ilja Dragunov’s United States Championship Open Challenge, Femi is someone who could immediately come in and be viewed as a bonafide threat to take the gold from ‘The Mad Dragon.’
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1. Trick Williams
No one has the history and connection with Ilja Dragunov from their time together on WWE NXT more than Trick Williams.
Being seen as rivals and peers, Dragunov became a litmus test for Williams as he rose the ranks and eventually beat ‘The Mad Dragon’ to win the NXT Championship in April 2024.
Having taken gold from him before, Williams has to be considered someone who could have all the momentum to debut on the WWE main roster and immediately become a champion.
The two-time NXT Champion could be the one to dethrone Dragunov by answering the United States Championship Open Challenge when he least expects it.
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