WWE Raw: Jinder Mahal vs. Drew McIntyre – time to put the band back together?

Jinder Mahal vs. WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is the 3MB reunion energy we all need right now. 

Jinder Mahal returned to action last Monday night from being out due to injury and looked good against Akira Tozawa. After his match on WWE Raw, the Modern Day Maharaja made sure to remind everyone about his accomplishments prior to his injury.

Mahal’s return comes at a time when he’s looking up a former tag team partner: Fellow 3MB veteran member and WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. His return also comes at a time where he watched Heath Slater, the third former member of 3MB get released. This is where it gets interesting.

All of these moving pieces — Drew as the champion, Slater being released, and Mahal returning just yells feud.  Why? Well the WWE is good for creating good fights among friends, just ask Randy Orton and Edge.

This gives McIntyre staying power with the title and his next story to tell: Closing the book on his 3MB history. Has it been closed? Yes, but now he can cut ties with all parties involved. I wouldn’t mind seeing that story told, considering what we’ve endured thus far in storylines.

Although Drew beating Brock Lesnar kept things somewhat interesting, other storylines haven’t been as captivating. We were glad to see the Lashley/Rusev feud finally die. Seth Rollins as the Monday Night Messiah has run its course and everyone knows it. No one wants to see him win the the title back at MITB.

But how do you introduce Mahal to the championship conversation?  With Apollo Crews getting injured in his U.S. Title match against Andrade Monday night, that leaves an open spot. This could be used to get Mahal over and set up the feud. Prior to his injury last Summer at the WWE Super Showdown, Mahal was on a downward trend, battling against R-Truth for the WWE 24/7 Title. I doubt that would be a starting point for him.

No matter how you cut it, a feud against his old band mate is the only storyline that works. Both men have been on the back end of injuries in real life, not to mention the enormous transformations in character and physical stature.

There are two ways it could go down and look legit. The first would be Drew retains at MITB next week and Jinder is pushed to get a shot, or Drew loses due to Jinder’s interference which sets up a feud between the two men.

Another angle that could come from this would be Slater’s return. Yes, he was released, but he could easily return to spark a unique interest into this storyline if it led to a 3MB Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship, but that’s going to Crazy Town.

Better yet, he could be the guest referee. When was the last time Heath Slater actually got a legit push? Let alone a decent storyline? He’s served as filler for months prior to his release, but this angle could get him a job back with the company and a fresh take on his character.

For a trio that was mostly low to mid card in their hey day, Slater and Mahal (and Slater if you’re wishing) could make for an interesting Championship storyline.  Let’s put the band back together one last time.