In case you missed the most recent episode of SmackDown Live, you missed out on a big announcement from the WWE Champion. Jinder Mahal defends his WWE Championship inside the dreaded Punjabi Prison structure, which returns to your television screens after nearly an entire decade at the SmackDown exclusive pay-per-view WWE Battleground.
The announcement has led to mixed reactions from the WWE Universe, with some fans in support of the match while others are highly opposed to the same. The previous editions of the match haven't exactly been classics. However, right now, we choose to drink from our half full glasses and tell you why The Punjabi Prison match is a good idea. Here are 5 good reasons.
#5 The visual appeal
The fact remains that nobody has seen the Punjabi Prison in almost ten years. To put that figure into perspective, the last Punjabi Prison match happened on October 7, 2007, between Batista and The Great Khali. The PG Era started in July 2008. So, truthfully speaking, there hasn’t been a Punjabi Prison match in the entirety of the PG Era and the New Era.
While bloody matches in violent structures were commonplace in the era that preceded this one, the fact remains that gimmick matches are few and far between these days. Therefore, the sheer visual treat of the Punjabi Prison is sure to entice new audiences, most of whom may not have seen the previous editions. If nothing else, it becomes a great talking point in a feud that has not exactly set the world on fire.
Also read: How Jinder Mahal became a better WWE Champion
#4 Elevating a B pay-per-view
When you are doing two pay-per-views every month, with little to distinguish one from the other, you stand the risk of losing out on fan interest. While gimmick pay-per-views have their own charm, because of the matches or stipulations involved, a standard B pay-per-view such as Payback, or Backlash, or Battleground is hardly a talking point among casual fans. To make the pay-per-view feel more special than usual, WWE needed a hook to draw in the fans. What better way to achieve this than by promoting a Punjabi Prison match?
Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that declining viewership suggests that fans are slowly losing interest in the current WWE product. When the stars themselves are not a draw anymore, bringing back concepts from an era that fans remember more fondly can pique their interest and get them talking on social media.
#3 Keeping the Singh brothers at bay
Both the previous Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal matches have finished in much the same way, with the Singh Brothers causing a distraction and Mahal delivering his finisher, to pick up his big win. While Jinder Mahal suggested this match on this week’s episode of SmackDown Live, it does not really favour him, at least in kayfabe, since he has been booked as a cowardly heel.
This is because this structure keeps both the Singh Brothers at bay and thereby puts him at a disadvantage in this contest. However, this should be a treat for fans considering we'll get to see a new finish after two rather similarly booked matches.
#2 Hammering the Indian connect
It has been heavily speculated that the only reason WWE entrusted Jinder Mahal with the top prize in the company is to gain a foothold in the Indian market. With around 1.3 billion people in the country, it is a market that presents many opportunities to garner new audiences.
If WWE really wants to invest in Jinder Mahal as the face of this new market, this may be a part of the overall Indian-connect program that the company has planned. Certain superstars are synonymous with certain matches. Think of The Hardy Boyz, and you think high-octane ladder matches. Think of the Royal Rumble, and one tends to think of Kofi Kingston’s daredevil spots. While the Punjabi Prison was always associated with The Great Khali, now the mantle can be carried on the able shoulders of Jinder Mahal.
#1 The grand finale
Theirs is a feud that began at Backlash in May and has continued all through the summer, leading to this massive Punjabi Prison match. It makes sense to end the rivalry inside this vicious wooden structure, to put an exclamation point on the summer-long program. We think that it is unlikely that Randy Orton will win this match, and Jinder Mahal can use this win to cement his status as the top dog on SmackDown Live.
The structure, in theory, can also keep Baron Corbin from becoming a part of the match and cashing in. WWE may have long-term plans for the cash in and probably do not want to shake things up so soon. Whatever happens, we’re certain the lead up to Battleground will be very eventful.
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