WWE SmackDown Live Division Rankings: The Jinder Mahal Era Begins

Smackdown Live. Photo by WWE.com

The SmackDown Live World Title Picture

Highlights of the Division

The shocking upset the WWE hasn’t witnessed in more than a number of years was Jinder Mahal defeating Randy Orton to become WWE Champion. This sequence of events that started the path for the Maharaja to claim the richest prize in pro wrestling was so unexpected—it’s probably a genius idea on behalf of the WWE. Nobody could have foreseen after Wrestlemania 33 that Randy Orton would lose his title to one of the worst booked performers on the roster. But credit has to go to Mahal, he racked up impressive wins over Sami Zayn and AJ Styles to give himself a legitimate shot to claim his first WWE Championship in his career.    

For Randy Orton, he’ll have his rematch for the gold in 4 weeks time in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri at Money in the Bank. The Viper has been booked inconsistently in his 13 WWE title reign but has the perfect chance to turn it around. Orion has to look like the vintage predator we’ve all come to expect over the years. Attacking and picking apart Mahal and the Singh brothers should be his only priority.

Shinsuke Nakamura has finally notched his first two wins on the main roster against two of the six competitors in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Look for the Rockstar to be presented as favorite to win the briefcase in the coming weeks. Don’t be surprised if the WWE have him win the ladder match altogether.

Let’s see the rankings for the division this week.

WWE World Champion: Jinder Mahal (8 Wins – 10 Losses)

Contenders

• No.1 Contender: Randy Orton (10 Wins – 5 Losses)
• Contender No. 2: John Cena (6 Wins – 4 Losses)

Pretenders

• Pretender No. 1: Shinsuke Nakamura (2 Wins – 0 Losses)

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