WWE SmackDown 5 Predictions: AJ Styles With His Own Mindgames

Jinder Mahal Defeats Rusev

On the one hand, I could see the WWE beginning the Modern Day Maharaja’s reign as the United States Champion at WrestleMania 34, because Jinder Mahal’s gimmick does seem very much “on the nose” for a heel U.S. Champion.

But on the other hand, I think it would be more fitting for the biggest name in the match, Randy Orton, to retain at WrestleMania, or – and this is more just me being hopeful – for Rusev to win the title at RusevMania. I mean, even John Cena acknowledged on Raw that WrestleMania falls on Rusev Day this year. So naturally, the WWE should take advantage by rewarding the only man who can sell more merchandise than Cena right now.

Rusev and Mahal are former tag team partners, but they haven’t been able to feud yet. Although Rusev has called out Mahal a couple of times, we’ve yet to see these two go at it on the mic, and that could be a real treat.

Ideally, I’d like to see Mahal “get his win” tonight, perhaps via dubious means, and then have Rusev win the title at WrestleMania. Orton isn’t a viable long-term option as the United States Champion, and it’s better for him to drop the title at ‘Mania before moving to Raw’s main event scene for the first time since the brand split.

Meanwhile, Rusev is on fire with the crowd, and the WWE should both pull the trigger on a babyface turn and a well-received title win at WrestleMania.