Fans tuning into last week’s episode of SmackDown missed out on a key angle development due to timing issues. According to WrestleVotes Radio, a planned segment involving Ilja Dragunov interfering in The Miz’s match against Carmelo Hayes was cut from the broadcast very late in the show.
“Included in the Final Draft”
The report states that the angle was “included in the final draft of the show and ultimately pulled late into the live broadcast.” The intended purpose of the interference was to further the storyline between The Miz and the “Mad Dragon,” likely setting up a future singles match between the two.
It remains unclear whether the segment has been completely abandoned or if WWE will attempt to run it on a future episode. However, the fact that it was scripted suggests that creative has a specific direction in mind for Dragunov on the blue brand. Dragunov has been looking for a foothold since his call-up, and a feud with a veteran like The Miz could provide the spotlight he needs to establish himself on the main roster.
