ILJA DRAGUNOV REFUSES CIAMPA BACKSTAGE – WWE SMACKDOWN HIGHLIGHTS!

The blue brand delivered another pulse-pounding episode of WWE SmackDown on November 14, 2025, from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. Fans were treated to high-stakes tournament action and championship drama. At the center of it all was United States Champion Ilja Dragunov, whose backstage clash with Tommaso Ciampa set the tone for a night of intense rivalries.

Tensions boiled over early when Dragunov, flanked by SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, faced an irate Ciampa in the locker room area. The DIY member, accompanied by Johnny Gargano, stormed in demanding clarity on the rules of Dragunov’s ongoing U.S. Open Challenge. Ciampa accused the champion of ducking him repeatedly, calling the situation absurd and insisting Aldis enforce fairness.

Dragunov stood his ground, microphone in hand, reiterating his commitment to honoring the legacy of the Open Challenge. He vowed to defend the title only against opponents who embody respect and integrity in the ring. Labeling Ciampa a “jackass” lacking honor, Dragunov dismissed his claims outright, sparking a heated exchange that nearly escalated into fisticuffs.

Aldis intervened to de-escalate, reminding everyone that as champion, Dragunov has discretion over challengers. Ciampa, fuming, vowed this snub wouldn’t stand, hinting at further chaos. The segment ended with Dragunov issuing his challenge to the arena, leaving fans buzzing about the brewing feud between these two NXT alumni.

The spotlight quickly shifted to the ring for the highly anticipated U.S. Title defense. Dragunov’s call was answered not by Ciampa, but by the high-flying sensation Axiom, who entered with tag partner Nathan Frazer in tow. Axiom extended a handshake, symbolizing the mutual respect Dragunov sought, contrasting sharply with Ciampa’s aggression.

What followed was a technical masterpiece blending Dragunov’s relentless power with Axiom’s aerial acrobatics. The match kicked off with chain wrestling, as both men traded wristlocks and reversals at breakneck speed. Dragunov’s shoulder tackles grounded Axiom early, but the challenger countered with a stunning springboard moonsault DDT that popped the crowd.

Axiom’s agility shone through in a series of dives, including a picture-perfect Spanish Fly from the top rope. Dragunov absorbed the punishment, firing back with vicious knee strikes and a coast-to-coast dropkick. The champion’s endurance was tested as Axiom locked in a golden ratio submission, but Dragunov powered out, transitioning into his signature Torpedo Moscow.

The climax came when Axiom missed a high-risk move, allowing Dragunov to hoist him up for a devastating superplex. Sealing the deal, Dragunov unleashed the H-Bomb, a thunderous Coast-to-Coast, for the pinfall victory. At 14 minutes, it marked Dragunov’s fourth successful defense, extending his reign to 29 days since dethroning Sami Zayn.

Backstage fallout added layers to the story. During a commercial break, cameras captured Ciampa ambushing a vulnerable Axiom in the hallway, laying in brutal stomps. Frazer rushed to the rescue, chasing off the attacker with chair shots, but not before Ciampa escaped into the shadows, smirking at the destruction.

This vicious assault underscored Ciampa’s frustration turning into outright villainy. Commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett dissected the moment, noting how Dragunov’s refusals have pushed Ciampa to desperate measures. Fans chanted “DIY” in support, but the incident highlighted the personal stakes now at play.

Elsewhere on SmackDown, the John Cena “Last Time is Now” Tournament heated up with first-round thrillers. Jey Uso overcame a crafty The Miz in a 12-minute sprint, countering a Skull-Crushing Finale into a Uso Splash for the win. The crowd erupted for the Yeet master’s resilience against Miz’s mind games.

LA Knight faced a surprise opponent in Zack Ryder, returning to the main roster after years away. The Mega Match pitted Knight’s charisma against Ryder’s underdog fire, ending with Knight’s BFT securing advancement. Ryder’s nostalgic entrance drew cheers, teasing potential future spots in Cena’s farewell arc.

Sami Zayn’s in-ring promo stole the mid-card show, announcing his medical clearance after weeks sidelined. Joined by allies like the Motor City Machine Guns and Shinsuke Nakamura, Zayn declared war on Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline faction. He recounted highs and lows on SmackDown, vowing retribution at Survivor Series.

The segment exploded into a wild brawl when the MFTs ambushed, only for Zayn’s crew to fight back fiercely. Rey Fenix’s dives cleared the ring, setting up a traditional Survivor Series elimination match announcement for two weeks out. This multi-man clash promises to steal the premium live event spotlight.

Women’s action featured new champion Jade Cargill squashing B-Fab in under five minutes, showcasing her dominance with a Jaded finisher. Cargill cut a fiery promo post-match, declaring her era of unstoppable power. Meanwhile, Nia Jax edged Charlotte Flair via interference from debuting Lash Legend, aligning the duo for future tag pursuits.

As SmackDown signed off, the Dragunov-Ciampa saga loomed largest. Dragunov’s post-match interview reaffirmed his code: title shots earned through honor, not entitlement. Ciampa, lurking in the crowd, held up a sign reading “Open Challenge? Open Lie!” drawing massive heat.

This refusal isn’t just pettiness; it’s a statement on wrestling’s core values. Dragunov, once a fan-favorite mad dragon, edges toward a heelish protector of his belt’s prestige. Ciampa, the grizzled veteran, embodies the scorned challenger ready to burn it all down.

With Survivor Series approaching, expect escalation. Will Ciampa force a match through cunning alliances, perhaps roping in Gargano for DIY interference? Or will Dragunov’s Open Challenge evolve into a multi-man gauntlet, weeding out the unworthy?

The Albany faithful left energized, chanting for more mayhem. SmackDown’s blend of athleticism and storytelling keeps it must-see TV. Dragunov’s reign tests the boundaries of champion autonomy, while Ciampa’s rage fuels a potential classic.

In the broader WWE landscape, this feud nods to NXT roots, pitting two icons who narrowly missed crossing paths there. Dragunov’s UK grit meets Ciampa’s DIY tenacity—fireworks await. As the blue brand builds toward war games and eliminations, one question lingers: how long can Dragunov deny the Diesel of desperation?