The Mad Dragon survives a brutal battle to keep his championship reign alive
Summary
– Ilja Dragunov retains the United States Championship against JD McDonagh
– The intense match featured multiple near falls and dramatic reversals
– The crowd in Denver erupted as Dragunov secured the win with the H-Bomb
The November 21 edition of WWE SmackDown delivered one of its most physical matches of the year as Ilja Dragunov defended the United States Championship against JD McDonagh. The open challenge turned into a war, testing both men’s endurance and drive.
McDonagh, representing The Judgment Day, wasted no time targeting Dragunov’s neck and shoulders, exploiting the champion’s past knee and neck injuries. The challenger unleashed a barrage of kicks and strikes, but Dragunov’s trademark resilience shone through. The two exchanged brutal suplexes and stiff chops as the crowd at Ball Arena came alive.
After countering a Torpedo Moscow attempt, McDonagh nearly stole the victory with a brainbuster and top-rope attack, only for Dragunov to kick out at two and a half. The Mad Dragon fired back with a vicious combination powerbomb, H-Bomb, and a thunderous Torpedo Moscow to finally seal the win.
Ilja Dragunov’s reign as United States Champion continues, proving once again that intensity isn’t something he turns on; it’s who he is.
