WWE SmackDown Division Rankings After Money in the Bank

SmackDown Live. Photo by WWE.com

The SmackDown Live World Title Picture

Highlights of the Division

Jinder Mahal had decent matches these past few days but the most important of them all is wins. For the first time this year, Mahal has finally gotten over the hump in his win/loss record which shows the massive progression he’s been undertaking since moving to Smackdown Live. As the WWE Champion—his mic skills have slightly improved and his wrestling have been average at best. To be considered a memorable WWE Champion he’ll need to do more in his continuous feud with Randy Orton. Addressing his alliance with the Singh brothers would add another layer to the title drama and also add more viciousness as the heel champion.

Randy Orton fell for the exact same sequence that initially lost him the championship at Backlash in the WWE title match this past Sunday. He chalked it up to being concerned about his father’s well-being of why he lost. If that’s the angle that will be furthering this title feud then so be it. The lead-up to Backlash was excellent but the subsequent road to Money in the Bank was lackluster. The Viper is famous for being malicious and calculating—look at his feud with Bray Wyatt. He was hellbent on destroying everything that Wyatt cherished—that Viper disappeared as soon as he won the championship at WrestleMania. Orion will need to bring that inner demon back to justify one more crack at the WWE Championship. 

Meanwhile, for the Rest of the Division

Shinsuke Nakamura had a heck of a showing at the MITB ladder match and got back in the win column against Ziggler at Smackdown Live. So the question is what is next for the Artist? One suggestion could be the return of Rusev? He has been angling for a WWE title match but has been silent for weeks. Maybe he might use Nakamura as a springboard to get that opportunity. This would be an excellent way of feature two key contenders in their respective divisions and give them an opportunity to showcase their skills.   

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

WWE World Champion: Jinder Mahal (11 Wins – 10 Losses)

Contenders

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

Pretenders

• Pretender No. 1: Shinsuke Nakamura (6 Wins – 1 Loss)

More wwe: Ranking All 16 Superstars to Win MITB

What are your thoughts on this week’s SmackDown rankings? Comment below!