Ilja Dragunov To Continue WWE US Title Open Challenge On 10/24 WWE SmackDown

Ilja Dragunov announced that he will keep the legacy of the WWE US Title open challenge alive on the October 24th episode of WWE SmackDown.

Dragunov returned from injury on last Friday’s SmackDown, answering the Sami Zayn’s open challenge and winning the US Title.

Zayn brought back the open challenge in September, paying homage to John Cena, who was his first open challenge opponent.

"It is my duty to keep the legacy of the open challenges alive."

New United States Champion @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR is looking for a fight, who will step up TONIGHT on #SmackDown?

📺 8e/7c on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/0E9BOFKJX7

— WWE (@WWE) October 24, 2025

Here is the current lineup for SmackDown:

WWE SmackDown (10/24)

• Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre in the building
• WWE US Title Open Challenge: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. TBA
• Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James

Fightful will have coverage of WWE SmackDown beginning at 8 p.m. ET.