WWE Smackdown Rankings: Can Nakamura Win The WWE Title?

Smackdown Live. Photo by WWE.com

The Smackdown Live World Title Picture

Highlights of the division

Shinsuke Nakamura did something that no man since AJ Styles ever pulled off – have a fantastic match with Randy Orton. It’s extremely hard to pull off that feat with the slow pace that Orton dictates in the ring. That type of in-ring magic is what makes Nakamura stand out from the rest of the contenders in the main event scene. His match against Jinder Mahal at Hell in a Cell will be key in determining how WWE will move forward in the title picture. Honestly, it would be a mistake for the WWE not to strap the championship on Nakamura after Hell in a Cell.

Jinder Mahal’s time as WWE Champion must wrap up at Hell in a Cell. The India market will survive if Mahal is champion or not. It shouldn’t be dictating how they should book talent like Mahal or Nakamura. The WWE has a gold mine in Shinsuke Nakamura with him being the top babyface main event talent on the blue brand. Mahal has established himself as a credible WWE Champion but hasn’t evolved his gimmick or in-ring ability for months now. SmackDown is the land of opportunity, Mahal already had his, now it’s time for the King of Strong Style to capture the top prize in the wrestling business.

Next: Shane McMahon Teaches A Valuable Lesson

Meanwhile, for the rest of the division.

So what’s next for Randy Orton? Losing his opportunity to challenge for the WWE Championship has definitely locked himself out of the title hunt for the long-term. There are two avenues he could look at, either continuing his feud with Rusev or getting a crack at the top SmackDown prized signee, Bobby Roode. Either choices could keep the Viper extremely busy for the next few months and give his opponents the opportunity to step up to the plate.

Rusev lost all his credibility as a legitimate threat on SmackDown Live. Beating Randy Orton could be a small remedy to his horrendous booking. As for Bobby Roode, if he entertains a feud with Randy Orton, he’ll be considered a serious title contender and a bonafide favourite to win the WWE Championship if he defeats the Viper in a proposed match.

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

WWE World Champion: Jinder Mahal (15 Wins – 12 Losses)

Contenders

• No. 1 Contender: Shinsuke Nakamura (12 Wins – 3 Losses)
• Contender No. 2: Randy Orton (13 Wins – 9 Losses)

Pretenders

• Pretender No. 1: Bobby Roode (2 Wins – 0 Losses)

What are your thoughts on this week’s Smackdown rankings?