WWE Raw 5 Takeaways: New Raw Superstars Finding Their Footing

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

4. Chad Gable And Jinder Mahal Off To Stellar Starts On Raw

The superstar shakeup doesn’t always turn out great for certain superstars that change from one brand to the other.  But for a couple of Raw’s acquisitions that weren’t talked about much as key members of the shakeup, they have gotten off to positive starts on Monday nights.

Jinder Mahal was the first new superstar in the shakeup and after coming over to the red brand, he lost the United States Championship to Jeff Hardy in a very solid match.  Another new superstar for the brand was Chad Gable, who is finally back as a singles competitor after a lackluster tag team with Shelton Benjamin on the blue brand.

Last night saw the two interact for the first time in a funny backstage segment that resulted in a one-on-one match later in the night.  Mahal attacked Gable before the match, but the match still took place and resulted in a very solid encounter.  The underdog, babyface Gable fought all the way back against the crafty, heel Mahal in a match with solid storytelling and action by both before Gable got the upset win.

It was a very impressive showing by both, especially Mahal given how criticized he has been over the past few months.  His improvement is undeniable, as is Gable’s in-ring prowess.  This would be a welcomed feud that could give Raw something different that it doesn’t have, especially after how well last night went for both.

The Modern Day Maharaja is off to a great start on Monday nights, but Gable is not to be outshined as well, an underrated superstar who is looking for a career breakthrough.