WWE Drops Dragunov Interference in Miz-Hayes SmackDown Match

WWE officials made a last-minute adjustment to the February 6 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, scrapping a planned segment that would have featured Ilja Dragunov interfering in a match between The Miz and United States Champion Carmelo Hayes. The show, broadcast live from Charlotte, North Carolina, proceeded without the alteration, leaving fans unaware of the behind-the-scenes change.

The bout between The Miz and Hayes served as the main event of the three-hour program on USA Network. Hayes emerged victorious in the non-title contest, continuing his momentum as the reigning U.S. Champion. According to reports from those familiar with the production, the original script included Dragunov attacking The Miz during or immediately after the match. This physical angle was intended to ignite a rivalry between the two wrestlers, potentially leading to a one-on-one showdown in the coming weeks. The idea remained in several late drafts of the show's rundown but was removed shortly before the broadcast went live.

The decision came amid ongoing tensions in the SmackDown roster. Earlier in the same episode, The Miz and Dragunov had a heated verbal exchange over who deserved the next shot...