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WWE star Ilja Dragunov has continued John Cena and Sami Zayn's United States title Open Challenge on SmackDown. Aleister Black was the first star to answer his version of the challenge, but Damian Priest cost him.Names like Rey Fenix, Shinsuke Nakamura, and NXT's Je'Von Evans are among the names to get a title shot through the United States Open Challenge.This week's SmackDown falls on Halloween, so expect some spooky programming. Any of the next five WWE stars could answer The Mad Dragon's call this week.#5. Damian Priest is a former United States ChampionPriest has cost Aleister Black twice when he's challenged for the United States Championship during the Open Challenges. It felt like their feud ended when Black won a Last Man Standing match.That wasn't the case, so by costing his rival a chance to win a title, the former World Heavyweight Champion may try to secure another singles belt.This would allow Black and Zelina Vega to exact revenge on The Archer of Infamy for costing him against Dragonov last week.#4. Oba Femi debuts on SmackDownFormer NXT Champion Oba Femi hasn't been seen since losing his title to Ricky Saints at No Mercy in late September. That's over a month off programming, but it could be for a few reasons.The first is that he's biding his time to return to NXT and reclaim his championship. The other is that he's being saved for a surprise moment or potential call-up to RAW or SmackDown.Femi resembles Brock Lesnar and Bron Breakker in that he's a physical anomaly capable of impressive acts of strength. The former NXT Champion could announce his arrival by answering Dragunov's call on SmackDown.#3. Nathan Frazer takes a shotBoth members of Fraxiom conversed with Dragunov backstage last week after his victory over Aleister Black. They enjoyed the action the Open Challenges provided, and he playfully encouraged both performers to step up.Axiom lost to Jasper Troy in a Speed Tourament match on this week's NXT. That means Nathan Frazer could be wrestling in singles action on this week's SmackDown.The two go back to their days in NXT UK. Frazer could provide The Mad Dragon with a different challenge of a star with lightning-fast offense.Since Fraxiom has been passively feuding with DIY, Johnny Gargano or Tommaso Ciampa could cost him the match.#2. Montez Ford branches out in singles actionWith such a stacked tag team division on SmackDown, it makes sense for members of some duos to branch out in singles competition now and then. The Street Profits have teased a break-up for months, but nothing has happened.They already lost the WWE Tag Team titles to the Wyatt Sicks and fell short in their rematch. The next logical step would be for Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins to go their separate ways.Ford already competed for the United States Championship in the 2023 Elimination Chamber match. He also competed in a Money in the Bank qualifying match in the same year.#1. Santos Escobar attempts to add gold to his legacySantos Escobar re-signed with WWE in early October after his previous deal expired. He's been off SmackDown, but both Angel and Berto have continued to appear as members of Legado Del Fantasma.What better way for The Emperor of Lucha Libre to return than in a United States Championship Open Challenge match? Dragunov would likely have to deal with all three members in a potential showdown.Escobar challenged for the title on numerous other occasions, so it wouldn't be a stretch to re-emerge in another contest surrounding the belt.
