WWE SmackDown Rankings: The Kevin Owens Show Has Begun

Smackdown. Photo by WWE.com

The Smackdown Live World Title Picture

Highlights of the division

Jinder Mahal cut the most original promo since he won the WWE Championship back in May. It was a mixed bag of insults and racial jokes, which didn’t really sit well with the crowd or the TV audience. But that was the point of his promo, Mahal believes that the fans don’t look at him and Nakamura in the same light as the Amercian superstars because of how they look and talk. His message got across very well but in a poor manner. The issue with Jinder Mahal is that his title run has gotten stale and repetitive, even if he’s changing up his promo routine. What transpires next week with both Nakamura and Mahal will be fascinating to see. Will the King of Strong Style be booked as a better alternative to the champ as an international superstar, or just be another opponent that loses to Mahal.

As for Randy Orton, he wasn’t featured on SmackDown Live this week but he was mentioned by Rusev in a backstage interview. There is clearly nothing left for the Viper to do on the blue brand, extending a feud with Rusev might be his only option. The former WWE Champion is in a prime position to elevate a younger talent like Rusev to the main event scene. There shouldn’t be any scenario where he has to defeat the Bulgarian Brute, because he has nothing left to lose.

Next: Is Vince McMahon Taking Shots at CM Punk?

Meanwhile, for the rest of the division.

Bobby Roode was also not on Smackdown Live this week. The WWE will need to be careful on how they should be booking the former NXT Champion. He hasn’t been on TV for the past two weeks and the Hell in a Cell pay per view is coming up shortly. There have been rumours that he could be in a potential feud with Dolph Ziggler. If that’s the case, that match-up is the perfect opportunity for the Glorious One to make a statement in the main event scene.

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?