Spoiler: Injured WWE Star Returning on October 17 WWE SmackDown

The October 17 episode of Friday Night SmackDown just went from big to huge.

According to BodySlam.net, Ilja Dragunov is expected to make his return from injury tonight — and he’ll be stepping straight into a United States Championship match against Sami Zayn.

Dragunov has been sidelined since suffering an ACL injury during a brutal showdown with GUNTHER back in September 2024. His hard-hitting style and reputation as one of the toughest competitors in the world made his absence felt, but now it looks like the “Mad Dragon” is finally ready to breathe fire again.

Here’s the full lineup for tonight’s SmackDown from the SAP Center in San Jose, California:

• Sami Zayn defends the United States Championship in an Open Challenge (with Dragunov expected to answer)
• Cody Rhodes addresses his Crown Jewel loss to Seth Rollins
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Sol Ruca & Zaria
• Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu (status pending amid injury rumors)

If Dragunov really does return tonight, it sets the stage for one of the hardest-hitting matches SmackDown has seen in months — and could kickstart a program between him and Zayn that changes the U.S. Title picture completely.

Be sure to tune in live and follow along with Ringside News for full play-by-play coverage over in our SmackDown results section.

Do you think Dragunov should win the United States Championship in his first match back, or should Zayn hold strong? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you see this rivalry playing out.