A Night of Mayhem and Surprises
The October 17 episode of WWE SmackDown felt like the kind of show fans talk about for weeks. From unexpected title changes to brutal backstage brawls, it was one of those nights where everything seemed to explode at once. The San Jose crowd was on its feet the entire time, sensing that something major was unfolding in front of them.
The energy hit its peak when Ilja Dragunov made his long-awaited return to face Sami Zayn for the United States Championship. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre’s rivalry reached a dangerous new level, ending in a chaotic assault that left officials scrambling. And just when fans thought the night couldn’t get more unpredictable, news broke that Jacob Fatu had been seriously injured backstage before his match.
Ilja Dragunov’s Redemption Story
The biggest shock of the night came when Ilja Dragunov’s music hit. The crowd roared as the former NXT standout returned to answer Sami Zayn’s open challenge for the US Title. Fans had not seen Dragunov in months, following his leg injury that nearly ended his career. But the moment he stepped into the ring, there was fire in his eyes.
The match itself was a masterpiece of intensity. Both men went at it with hard strikes, quick reversals, and pure emotion. Zayn, always the crowd favorite, showed his trademark resilience. But Dragunov’s hunger was unmatched. Every time he was knocked down, he rose faster, angrier, stronger.
In the final moments, Zayn went for the Helluva Kick, but Dragunov countered with a devastating Torpedo Moscow that dropped Zayn flat. The crowd counted the three, and just like that, the Russian Warrior was back on top.
After the match, an emotional Dragunov told fans, “I have been waiting for this moment since the day I got hurt. Pain made me stronger, and tonight I proved that nothing can break me.”
It was more than a win. It was a statement. WWE’s mid-card just got a new face of dominance, and Zayn’s US Title reign ended in heartbreak.
Jacob Fatu’s Injury Sends Shockwaves
Backstage chaos erupted before the scheduled main event featuring Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre. Cameras caught glimpses of a violent scene where Fatu was found laid out near the production area, surrounded by officials and medics. The commentators went silent for several moments, clearly shaken by the situation.
Later, WWE confirmed that Fatu had suffered multiple injuries during a backstage altercation, the details of which remain unclear. Early reports suggest the incident may have been part of a planned segment gone wrong, though some insiders hint that Fatu could be out for several months.
Whatever the truth, fans are heartbroken. Fatu had been one of SmackDown’s rising stars, blending raw power with incredible agility. His sudden removal from the storyline leaves a gap that will be hard to fill. Drew McIntyre didn’t waste any time exploiting the moment, taunting Fatu’s absence and demanding another chance at Cody Rhodes’ championship.
Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre: A Rivalry on the Edge
With Fatu out, the show’s focus shifted entirely to Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. The tension between them has been building for weeks, but tonight it boiled over.
The confrontation started with words but ended with fists. McIntyre called Rhodes “a paper champion hiding behind a legacy,” which instantly flipped a switch in the American Nightmare. Rhodes attacked with furious punches, sending McIntyre crashing into the barricade. Referees tried to pull them apart, but Cody wouldn’t stop.
At one point, Rhodes grabbed his championship belt and struck McIntyre across the face, drawing massive boos from the crowd. Security stormed the ring, yet Rhodes still kept yelling, “This is what you wanted, right? You wanted the real me!”
The show closed with McIntyre being helped out of the ring while Rhodes stood tall, breathing heavily, holding his title. It wasn’t a heroic moment—it was a warning. The once-beloved champion may be slipping into darker territory, and fans can feel it.
What Comes Next for SmackDown
After a night like this, SmackDown’s landscape has completely shifted. Dragunov’s return shakes up the US Title picture, Cody’s outburst hints at a heel turn, and Fatu’s injury leaves WWE’s creative team in crisis mode.
Expect WWE officials to announce a major development next week, possibly involving a new number-one contender for Rhodes’ title. Fans are also anticipating an update on Fatu’s medical condition and how his absence will impact the Bloodline storyline.
Ilja Dragunov’s win could set him up for a strong title run through the rest of 2025, especially if WWE capitalizes on his momentum. Meanwhile, Zayn might enter a redemption arc of his own, possibly targeting Dragunov again at the upcoming Survivor Series event.
As for Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, their feud is just getting started. If tonight was any indication, the next encounter will not be about respect or titles—it will be about pride and destruction.
Final Thoughts
This episode of WWE SmackDown had everything: emotion, chaos, and storytelling at its finest. It reminded fans why they love wrestling—because it’s unpredictable, raw, and larger than life.
From Dragunov’s emotional comeback to Rhodes’ violent rage, every moment felt charged with purpose. Whether you loved or hated the outcomes, one thing is clear: WWE SmackDown is back in full swing, and the road to Survivor Series just got a lot more interesting.