Copyright Newsweek
A WWE SmackDown star received criticism following spots performed in his match, which a former champion considers "dangerous" and could put others in danger. Along with that, the former champ contends it could shorten the individual's own career in the ring if he keeps performing these moves. Friday's SmackDown featured several championships on the line, including Giulia losing the WWE Women's United States Championship to Chelsea Green, and Ilja Dragunov defending his United States Championship in another open challenge match. This week, Ciampa again tried to get a match against Dragunov, but the champion said he'd face Johnny Gargano instead. Dragunov successfully defended his championship yet again, following up on his previous Friday's victory against Fraxiom's Natahn Frazer. It was that match that caught the attention of former WWE Hardcore Champion Stevie Richards, who analyzed some of the significant issues with Dragunov's moves. Read more: WWE Star Makes Surprise SmackDown Appearance to Form New Team One move Richards called out was a German suplex outside the ring, which he compared to a spot Ridge Holland did on Big E that resulted in a serious injury. Richards wasn't sure why Dragunov would make such a risky move after returning from his own neck surgery. He indicated the German suplex is a move that really shouldn't happen outside the ring. In another spot, Richards examined a belly-to-back suplex attempt off the top rope, suggesting that Dragunov rushed it before both he and Frazer were ready. That resulted in a risky landing as Frazer's head hit the mat. Richards indicated it would've been safer for Dragunov to stop to reset the move when he lost his footing on the top rope. The former WWE star also called Dragunov's finisher a dangerous move. His show co-host likened it to Dan Henderson's knockout blow against Michael Bisping at UFC 100. Richards says that Dragunov's opponent has no way to protect themselves or tuck their chin against the move. "It's a forearm that can literally knock you out, and your head isn't even there to snap back and absorb the blow, so it's real," Richards said. While Richards seemed to praise the storytelling and camera work in Dragunov's match, he felt the dangerous spots were the kind that could be problematic. “I’m impressed with this kid [Frazer]. Dragunov to an extent, but I can’t see his style being for the long term for his own health. He just came back from a neck injury and surgery, and he’s still doing these dangerous spots,” Richards said. Dragunov’s wrestling career began in 2012, but he didn’t join WWE until 2019. He became the NXT United Kingdom Champion in 2021 and then the NXT Champion, becoming the first-ever to hold both titles. His main roster debut happened in 2024, but a torn ACL injury kept him out of action for over a year. He eventually returned last month on SmackDown, where he challenged Sami Zayn and won the United States Championship, which he now defends in weekly open challenges. Read more: WWE SmackDown Reveals More John Cena Tournament Matches Jade Cargill Sends Strong Warning Before WWE SmackDown Released WWE Stars Karrion Kross and Scarlett Share Surprising Career Update
