4 Predictions for WWE SmackDown Live: July 25, 2017

The Maharajah Basks In The Glory

In the main event of Battleground, Jinder Mahal defended the WWE Championship against Randy Orton. The action itself was wild and chaotic, with both champion and challenger putting everything they had into the contest. Mahal’s opponent gave a strong performance, however, on that night the numbers game came to haunt him. It took the Singh Brothers and a returning Great Khali to pry the WWE Championship away from Orton, allowing Mahal to escape defeat.

Having beaten the Viper for a third consecutive time, the Maharajah now has the right to focus his attention on a new challenger. The Mahal versus Orton rivalry was entertaining, but now it’s time for a new contender to arise. For the time-being, the Viper can turn his attention to gaining revenge over Khali’s interference. That quest won’t begin tonight though, as a celebration is likely to engulf SmackDown Live.

Because he’s finally vanquished Orton, Mahal will probably use tonight to relish in his recent success. If such a celebration takes place, you can bet that the Singh Brothers and Khali will be involved as well. This would be a great way to reintroduce Khali to the WWE Universe, and in turn explain his actions at Battleground. Most importantly, if someone were to interrupt the proceedings, it’d be a good way to begin a new rivalry heading into Summerslam.

Out of the current crop of superstars on SmackDown Live, John Cena is the most ideal opponent for the WWE Champion. The 16-time world champion is fresh off a victory against Rusev, and so he may opt to continue promoting his American background. Facing a foreign heel such as Mahal is big money, and so you can bet the company wants to promote this feud.