WWE Backlash 2017: 3 Reasons Jinder Mahal Should Defeat Randy Orton
By Tom Thomas
WWE.com
1. A Plethora of New Challengers
Placing the title on Jinder Mahal would open the doors of SmackDown Live’s main event scene to a number of stars. It is true that Shinsuke Nakamura could be the new face of the brand. However, until he gets used to WWE’s style and audience, other stars could thrive on the main event scene. Not only are matches like Mahal vs Sami Zayn or Dolph Ziggler fresh, they also feature an element of uncertainty.
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Imagine Randy Orton as the WWE champion and Sami Zayn being the No. 1 Contender. Throughout his entire main roster run, Zayn has played the role of a sympathetic babyface. He is the lovable loser who always comes close to greatness and then loses. In many ways, one could draw a comparison between him and Dolph Ziggler. As such, one would not expect Zayn to go over Orton in any manner. However, place Jinder Mahal in the role of the champion and a whole new perspective opens up. Mahal does not outshine Zayn or Ziggler in terms of star value. Hence, WWE could create a genuine sense of intrigue when it comes to those matches. Moreover, Mahal winning the title would be the ultimate testimonial to SmackDown’s claim as the ‘Land of Opportunity’.
Suddenly, anyone could become a champion. That kind of drive and animosity at the main event scene could elevate SmackDown. Moreover, it could truly elevate the WWE as far as the new era goes. So far, the new era has done little to create a new star or a fresh WWE champion. They could change everything with Mahal though.
Next: WWE Backlash 2017: Predicting the Full Match Card
What are your thoughts on Jinder Mahal’s sudden rise to the top of the ladder? Who do you think would win at Backlash 2017? Would you want to see Jinder Mahal as your new WWE champion? Let us know in the comments section.