WWE SmackDown Live Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for May 2
By Grant Mannis
Jinder Mahal vs. Sami Zayn
Result: Jinder Mahal wins via pinfall
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
After the commercial break, it’s announced that due to the brawl earlier, AJ Styles is banned from ringside during the United States Championship match.
Our first match of the evening involves Jinder Mahal going up against Sami Zayn. Their match tonight stems from the six-pack challenge a few weeks ago. On that night, the Singh Brothers debuted to help Mahal score the victory by distracting Zayn.
From the opening bell, each of these men displayed their athleticism and toughness. For Mahal, it was imperative that his first singles match since becoming number one contender end on a high note. As for Zayn, a big win here could help him gain momentum that he’s been struggling to obtain. Knowing this, the Underdog from the Underground did his best to avoid the numbers game.
Throughout the contest, there was never really a moment where one man seemed destined to win over the other. Big moves kept fans on the edge of their seats, and close two counts kept the result in doubt. Eventually, the Singh Brothers were able to distract Zayn long enough for Mahal to take advantage. Dropping his opponent with the Cobra Clutch Slam, Mahal scored a big win as his championship match against Randy Orton approaches.
Following the match, cameras cut to the backstage area. Approaching Becky Lynch, the trio of Carmella, Natalya, and Tamina Snuka (plus James Ellsworth) tried to recruit the Irish Lass. Surprisingly, she decided to think about the offer. Odds are she isn’t going to accept though, just a way to tease the fans.