Ilja Dragunov made his long-awaited return on the October 17 edition of WWE SmackDown, answering Sami Zayn’s open challenge for the United States Title – and winning the belt.
The 32-year-old had been out of action since September 2024 after suffering a torn ACL.
Now back in the company, could we see the Russian-born star form his own faction?
Here are five potential members who could join him.
5. Sami Zayn
Ilja Dragunov and Sami Zayn delivered an excellent match on the October 17 edition of WWE Smackdown – one that saw the returning Dragunov capture the United States Title.
Following the conclusion of the bout, Solo Sikoa’s MFT faction attacked both men, leaving them laid out in the ring.
It certainly appears that Zayn and Dragunov could align, teaming up to take on Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga and JC Mateo.
The question is whether they formalize that partnership beyond this feud.
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4. Gunther
Gunther is Ilja Dragunov’s greatest opponent and rival.
Their careers are forever intertwined, dating back to their classic, brutal battles in Europe’s premier independent promotion wXw, continuing through NXT UK and now onto WWE’s main roster.
While they’re best known as career-long rivals, they’ve also proven effective tag team partners, enjoying a short but memorable run as wXw Tag Team Champions in 2019.
Could we see them reunite and do it again when Gunther returns from injury?
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3. Rey Fenix
It appears that a feud featuring Ilja Dragunov and Sami Zayn against The MFTs will be taking place over the coming weeks on WWE Smackdown.
Another name clearly added to that mix is Rey Fenix.
During the MFT beatdown of Dragunov and Zayn, the luchador ran in to make the save – only to be beaten down himself.
Even with Fenix now in the mix, the numbers still favour The MFTs, so they might need a couple more allies.
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2. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura reappeared on the October 10 edition of WWE SmackDown, returning to the delight of fans with his original, iconic entrance theme.
Nakamura’s shot at Sami Zayn’s open challenge on the show was cut short after The MFTs interfered, attacking both men and causing a DQ finish.
Nakamura now has a clear storyline reason to align with Ilja Dragunov’s group to take on Solo Sikoa’s faction.
It would also give the uber-charismatic star a much-needed fresh direction.
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1. Charlie Dempsey
Outside of the ongoing feud with The MFTs, there’s another star who could join a potential formal Ilja Dragunov-led group: NXT’s Charlie Dempsey.
Dempsey is currently on excursion from WWE, wrestling for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan.
The son of William Regal, Dempsey is already a polished in-ring technician who is more than ready for a spot on the main roster when he returns.
Pairing him with Dragunov would make total sense – their intense, technical, hard-hitting European styles would be a perfect vibe match.
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