4 WWE stars who can dethrone Ilja Dragunov for the US Title on SmackDown tonight

Ilja Dragunov has been reigning supreme as the United States Champion on SmackDown. He has been issuing open challenges every week and has established his reputation as a workhorse champion. However, it may be a matter of time before Dragunov loses his prestigious championship, as the clock could be ticking on his title run.

The Mad Dragon will continue his United States Championship open challenge tonight on SmackDown. Fans could witness a shocking title change in this bout as Triple H has been pulling off some jaw-dropping surprises lately. From a returning star dethroning The Unbesiegbar to an MFT member winning that championship, several exciting things could happen.

Let's take a look at four WWE stars who can defeat Ilja Dragunov to win the United States Title on SmackDown tonight:

#4. Tommaso Ciampa

Tommaso Ciampa has been at loggerheads with Ilja Dragunov for the past few weeks. Although he has been seeking a title match, The Mad Dragon has been evading him every week, showing disinclination to face The Blackheart. It looks like WWE has been saving their clash for a big moment and that might come tonight.

Ciampa could accept Dragunov's United States Championship open challenge on SmackDown. He could pull off a massive upset by defeating The Czar and winning the coveted championship tonight. There is a high chance of it happening as the company has already been sowing the seeds of a rivalry between the two stars for the past few weeks.

#3. Santos Escobar

Santos Escobar has been away from television for the past few months, during which he signed a new contract with WWE. There is a possibility that the company could bring him back on television tonight. Escobar could make a stunning return on SmackDown and accept Ilja Dragunov's United States Championship open challenge.

In a shocking turn of events, he could dethrone The Mad Dragon to win the coveted title. WWE often repackages superstars and puts them in the spotlight after a long break and fans can expect the same. Triple H bringing back Santos Escobar and putting the United States Title on his shoulder will give him a fresh direction on his potential return.

#2. Aleister Black

Aleister Black is one of those superstars who have been looking for a breakthrough on SmackDown. Ever since returning to WWE, the 40-year-old hasn't won any championship on the main roster. However, the company could finally reward him tonight and give Black his big moment by crowning him the new United States Champion.

The Anti-Hero could accept Ilja Dragunov's open challenge on SmackDown. Although he failed last time, Aleistar Black could shock the WWE Universe this time by dethroning The Mad Dragon and winning the United States Championship. The fact that Black is a heel and has Zelina Vega in his corner increases the chances of his victory tremendously.

#1. Tama Tonga can dethrone Ilja Dragunov

Tama Tonga could pull off a massive upset tonight by winning the United States Championship. He was spotted confronting Ilja Dragunov backstage several times, fixating his gaze on the prestigious title. The 43-year-old made his intentions clear that he is after the United States Championship and WWE could shock the fans tonight on SmackDown.

Just when Dragunov would be looking for an opponent, the MFT could show up at the ramp. Tama Tonga could come out to challenge The Mad Dragon for the coveted title. He could use underhanded tactics or ringside shenanigans to beat Ilja Dragunov and capture the United States Championship, leaving the WWE Universe stunned.

Edited by Subhasish Deb