In a jaw-dropping display of athleticism and determination, Ilja Dragunov proved once again why he’s the undisputed United States Champion, defending his title against the high-flying sensation Axiom in the fourth installment of the Open Challenge on WWE SmackDown. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Dragunov has made it clear he won’t waste his time on unworthy challengers like Tommaso Ciampa, whom he’s labeled a ‘jacka’, he’s more than willing to face opponents who bring their A-game. And Axiom certainly did that, pushing Dragunov to his limits in a match that left the Albany crowd in awe. **But did Axiom deserve the shot more than Ciampa? Let’s dive in.
From the moment the bell rang, Dragunov and Axiom delivered a masterclass in wrestling. There was no slow build-up—these two went straight to war, showcasing a blend of electrifying high-flying maneuvers and gritty, technical grappling. Axiom, known for his aerial prowess, nearly stole the show—and the title—with a breathtaking Springboard Moonsault DDT and a flawless Spanish Fly. But here’s the part most people miss: Dragunov’s resilience and strategic thinking were on full display. Just as Axiom went for his signature Golden Ratio, Dragunov countered with a devastating Torpedo Moscow, setting up the final H-Bomb for the pinfall. Both men were left exhausted, yet they shared a respectful embrace afterward, proving that even in defeat, Axiom earned Dragunov’s respect.
This victory extends Dragunov’s United States Championship reign to 29 days and counting. Since dethroning Sami Zayn, Dragunov has successfully defended his title against formidable opponents like Aleister Black, Nathan Frazer, and Johnny Gargano. But is his reign sustainable, or is he just getting lucky? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, the tension between Dragunov and Ciampa continues to simmer. Earlier in the evening, the two had a heated backstage confrontation, but it was Axiom who felt Ciampa’s wrath during a commercial break. Ciampa ambushed Axiom as he was leaving the ring, prompting Frazer to rush to his partner’s aid. Ciampa escaped, but the question remains: Will Dragunov address Ciampa’s actions, or is he focusing solely on his next challenger?
As for Dragunov, he remains silent on the post-match attack, choosing instead to let his in-ring performance speak for itself. But what do you think? Is Dragunov’s selective approach to challengers fair, or should he give Ciampa a shot? And is Axiom the next big star in WWE, or was this just a one-off performance? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!