Dragunov Retains US Title Against Frazer on SmackDown

Ilja Dragunov successfully defended the WWE United States Championship against Nathan Frazer on the October 31 episode of SmackDown at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, defeating Frazer after an extended, high-energy bout that lasted roughly 18 to 19 minutes. Frazer answered Dragunov’s open challenge and pushed the champion through a series of high-impact maneuvers, but Dragunov finished the match with a powerbomb followed by his HBomb for the pinfall.

The match featured several momentum swings and several signature spots from both men. Frazer opened strongly with a knee to the head and a suicide dive, later landing a running shooting star press and a frog splash for close near falls. Dragunov countered several aerial attempts and responded with a decisive powerbomb into the HBomb to secure the victory. After the bell the two showed mutual respect in the ring when Dragunov raised Frazer’s hand, a gesture followed moments later by additional hostility at ringside.

Tommaso Ciampa, who had attempted to answer the open challenge earlier in the segment, ran in and blindsided Frazer shortly after the match, prompting Axiom and Johnny Gargano to rush to Frazer’s aid. The...