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Ilja Dragunov made a surprise return on SmackDown last Friday to challenge Sami Zayn for the WWE United States Championship. The Canadian professional wrestler was issuing an open challenge for the title. Dragunov made a surprise return after 13 long months to challenge for the Championship.
The Russian professional wrestler made his main roster debut last year and was having an amazing run on Monday Night RAW. But unfortunately, he has suffered a torn ACL injury, which was supposed to keep him out of action for 6 to 9 months. But it was stretched for longer than expected, as he could not return to action in 13 long months.
Ilja Dragunov reflects on winning the WWE United States Championship
Finally, Ilja Dragunov made his return on SmackDown last Friday and created history on the night of his return. He defeated Sami Zayn to win the WWE United States Championship, which was also the first Championship he won on the main roster of WWE. During his developmental territory days, he won the NXT championship and the NXT UK Championship.
Ilja Dragunov made his return after 13 months
It is reported that Ilja Dragunov was supposed to return to action last month on RAW, but WWE wanted to make his return more iconic, so they waited for one more month. Dragunov hopes for the first time after winning the title, and he released a video on Instagram. Here is what the present WWE United States Champion has to say;
Dragunov was out of action as he suffered a torn ACL injury
"It's been such a long year, and nobody understands how I feel sitting on the sidelines for a year, waiting and hoping and training to come back better than anybody else. More ruthless, more ambitious, fearless, more courage, all these things and everything that I accomplished over this year, this is a symbol of it.
"Me as a United States Champion. One thing is so clear to me right now. I got a very, very clear message to everyone who is coming for this. My dear friends and my dear enemies, if you step with me into the ring, pain shall entertain you." Said Dragunov, who defeated Sami Zayn last Friday on SmackDown to win the WWE United States Championship.
