WWE SmackDown Live is in the books and to the joy of millions of fans around the world, Jinder Mahal is now the top challenger to Randy Orton’s WWE Championship. Well, “joy” might not be the right word. “Surprise” or “shock” might be more appropriate.
Regardless of how you feel about the new Number One Contender, it’s undeniable that the era of Jinder has officially begun – let the party begin!
Before you start celebrating too hard, now is as good a time as any to look at the strange and less desirable moments of the night. A few examples from this edition include a jobber who didn’t exactly take KO’s finisher too crisply, a former Shining Star whose final kick seemed off and a fan closeup during the main event that almost stole the show.
If you go to a televised WWE show and want to be on camera, just simply over-react to everything. Without further ado, here are the 5 botchiest and most outrageous moments from this edition of SmackDown Live.
#5 Erick’s Rock Bottom
While we will focus on the ending to the 6-Pack Challenge Number One Contender’s Match later in this article, a certain former Wyatt Family member busted out a move that deserved a second glance. The man with the upgraded sheep mask, Erick Rowan, used what looked like a Rock Bottom on Jinder Mahal.
He might’ve landed on his side whereas The Rock would land on his stomach while delivering the move, but that’s a minor note of execution. This was totally a Rock Bottom.
To be fair to Rowan, he was the only man in this contest who has officially competed in singles competition against The Great One at a WrestleMania. Perhaps he’s earned this one?
#4 Over-the-top reaction
It seems like it’s been a while since a really ridiculous fan close-up has been picked up by the WWE cameras. After Baron Corbin threw AJ Styles onto Kevin Owens, who was seated at the commentary table, this one particular fan’s reaction was priceless.
This man was flabbergasted that someone could cause so much devastation off of a back body drop on the floor. He definitely got his money’s worth. Hopefully, he kept that enthusiasm well beyond the main event into 205 Live, which generally could use a few people in the crowd who aren’t sitting on their hands.
If he caught wind that Team Ninja Warrior was less than two minutes away from broadcast, the WWE Network wouldn’t stand a chance.
#3 Win off of a weak kick
The Shining Stars are a team no more, sort of. Primo & Epico are now on SmackDown simply as The Colons. This is a far better branding choice for their Tuesday night careers going forward, kicks like this are not.
This wasn’t the smoothest execution as Primo appeared to have ever so softly bonked Jason Jordan on the nose. This allowed Epico the chance to roll up the American Alpha member, scoring the pinfall.
It’s great that Primo & Epico are being treated more legitimately. However, fans of Gable & Jordan from back in their NXT days have to feel uneasy watching them get upended by these former jobbers for the second week in a row.
#2 Early jump into Owens’ finisher
Kevin Owens opted for something called a “Face of America” Open Challenge against a guy named Gary Gandy on this episode of SmackDown, instead of any matches against anybody actually on the WWE roster. Perhaps Gary is big in Ohio, but for the rest of the world, we didn’t expect much from him.
This match lived up to its already low expectations.
Gary Gandy only had to hang with Owens for a little over 30 seconds of actual match time. Sadly for him, he messed up during KO’s finisher. Instead of getting hoisted up by the United State’s Champion, he jumped before he got to him.
This slightly robbed Kevin of some air time on his move, making his Popup Powerbomb just a hair less intimidating than normal.
#1 Jinder gets a title shot, seriously
The most outrageous moment of the night was probably obvious. Sure, Jinder Mahal has held one of the most impressive physiques since returning to WWE for this run, but it’s hard to imagine him challenging for one of the most prestigious belts in all of wrestling.
Given how WWE treated his big staredown with Randy Orton, they don’t appear to be putting a tonne of stock into Mahal. Randy spent more time talking about Bray Wyatt than the man who was actually in front of him.
When The Eater of Worlds finally came into the picture, Jinder was nowhere to be seen afterwards even though the camera cut to Orton in the ring a few times.
Jinder is most likely there to give Randy something to do until the likes of AJ Styles or Shinsuke Nakamura or somebody of their calibre (a.k.a. real contenders) are ready to make a serious challenge. But even if this is only intended to be a temporary run at the top, at least Jinder is getting an opportunity.
Who knows, maybe he’ll please one of the people that matter backstage and find favour all the way up to a title run. Maybe that’s all wishful thinking, but at least nobody at the moment can be accused of hindering Jinder. Except for maybe Bray Wyatt. He needs to learn not to interrupt.
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