WWE News: Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton announced for Money in the Bank
With the Money in the Bank Ladder Match looming, who will walk out of St. Loiuis as the WWE Championship?
Who will walk away as the WWE Champion?
What’s the story?
SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon announced a WWE Championship for the Money in the Bank pay-per-view. Randy Orton will invoke his rematch clause and challenge Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship in a rematch from Backlash.
Mahal became a contender for the WWE Championship back in April when he defeated five other Superstars in a six-pack challenge.
This past Sunday at Backlash, Mahal defeated Orton for the WWE Championship and became the 50th man in WWE history to hold the title.
Orton and Mahal are also scheduled for another championship match on the June 13, 2017 edition of SmackDown Live; 5 days before the Money in the Bank pay-per-view.
The heart of the matter
Many fans predict that Mahal’s championship reign will only last a month; a theory that coincides with the four-week gap between Backlash and the Money in the Bank pay-per-view.
If Orton regains the WWE Championship at Money in the Bank, then he will tie Triple H for 14 overall world championships reigns and be second to John Cena for most WWE Championship reigns.
Fans have also speculated that Mahal could keep the Championship to set up a match with Cena later down the line. The WWE has been known for their foreigner vs. patriotic American storylines in the past and Cena defeating Mahal for the title is also a possibility.
Another big factor in this match is the eventual winner of the Money in the Bank match. The Money in the Bank cash-ins are the most unpredictable aspects of the show and could be the difference between Mahal’s reign ending on the night of the pay-per-view or ending later down the line.
What’s next?
Tune in to SmackDown in the next four weeks to see the build continue for the Money in the Bank pay-per-view.
Also, the June 13th edition of SmackDown has a WWE Championship match scheduled as well, so that match may affect the WWE Championship scheduled for Money in the Bank.
Author’s take
While many fans are split on whether Mahal’s championship reign is a good thing, the fact remains that the WWE have a chance to right the wrongs with the development of this feud as well as making Mahal a credible champion.
Hopefully, SmackDown Live brings their A-game and makes this feud more interesting than when it started back in April.
Exclusive: Reason why AJ Styles and Kevin Owens ended via count-out
Styles and Owens had a disappointing finish and we reveal why.
Kevin Owens and AJ Styles are pencilled for a long-term feud
What's the story?
AJ Styles and Kevin Owens had a solid match at WWE Backlash, but fans were left disappointed by a count-out finish. However, there was a specific reason the match ended the way it did.
In case you didn’t know...
Kevin Owen's defeated AJ Styles via count-out last to retain his US Championship. It was the first ever PPV match between Styles and Owens. The pair were scheduled to face off at WrestleMania 32, however, creative plans were changed for both men.
The heart of the matter
As reported by myself several weeks back, right here on Sportskeeda Kevin Owens and AJ Styles have been pencilled in for a long-term feud, where they will meet in multiple matches.
With last night, at Backlash, simply being match one in a series, the WWE did not want to put anyone over with a clean finish. Owens winning by pinfall would've left AJ with very little ground for a rematch and Styles winning via pinfall would've meant KO losing the US Championship at back-to-back PPVs, damaging his credibility and that of the US Championship.
Therefore, the WWE had to go down the route of putting someone over via count-out or DQ. Writers flip-flopped about who would go over, as the WWE betting lines clearly indicated, before deciding to put Owens over via the creative count-out finish we ended up seeing.
What's next?
The feud between Styles and Owens will resume on the next episode of SmackDown Live.
Author's take
The match between Owens and Styles was solid, and the finish was unique enough for me to have no complaints about what they did. On a night that finally belonged to Jinder Mahal, the match would have been ultimately forgotten, so the WWE booked it correctly.
I look forward to the next encounter, where we are likely to see a decisive winner.
Exclusive: Why Shinsuke Nakamura opened WWE Backlash 2017
How did Lebron James shape the format of WWE Backlash 2017?
Nakamura overcame Ziggler at Backlash
What's the story?
In a rather unexpected twist, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler was the opener at WWE Backlash 2017. This was apparently because the show was going head to head with Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. This story was first reported on DS Breaking News, which you can find below:
In case you didn't know...
Shinsuke Nakamura debuted on the first episode of SmackDown LIVE after WrestleMania 33, but his first televised main roster match was held off until Backlash in Chicago where he faced and beat Dolph Ziggler via pinfall.
The Heart of matter
Backlash took place on May 21, 2017, in Chicago and aired at the same time as game 3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics series. However, the WWE did have one hour to themselves, with Backlash starting thirty minutes before the NBA and ending thirty minutes after the basketball.
Therefore, the WWE wanted to feature their two main matches un-opposed. AJ vs. Owens was considered to open the show, but Nakamura's debut was given the nod once the WWE officials decided upon the shady finish in the US Championship match, which is set to consist of multiple bouts as previously reported by myself.
What's next?
The May 22, 2017, episode of Monday Night Raw will once again go up against the NBA playoffs, which will feature the Golden State Warriors in action against the San Antonio Spurs.
Author's take
It made sense for the WWE to want to have as many eyes as possible on their two main matches. Unfortunately, the unanimous consensus online is that the Nakamura debut was massively disappointing. He wasn't signed for his speaking skills, and the WWE will need to allow him to work a less limited style if they want the King of Strong Style to be the unique attraction they signed him to be.
WWE Backlash 2017: 5 stats and facts you must know
A look at Backlash 2017...in numbers!
Backlash ended with this unbelievable scene
WWE Backlash is in the books and with it, a whole lot of hoopla, disbelief and shock at Jinder Mahal pulling off the heist of the century and capturing the WWE Championship against Randy Orton.
Admittedly, the Maharaja had help from his entourage, but that still doesn’t take away from the fact that he managed to wrest the most prestigious title in pro wrestling away from a bonafide future Hall of Famer.
And even apart from the main event, the show was surprisingly engaging considering that some felt the build up to the pay-per-view had been rather shoddy and underdone.
Nakamura had a solid in-ring debut, Breezango thoroughly entertained albeit in a losing cause, Sami Zayn bucked the odds once again, and Kevin Owens can still cling on to the moniker, ‘The Face of America’, for now.
Needless to mention, the Chicago crowd was lit, as usual, providing an electric atmosphere for the first SmackDown exclusive pay-per-view since the Superstar Shakeup.
But enough about what we know...what about the things about Backlash that we weren’t aware of? What manner of historical significance did yesterday’s pay-per-view hold, at least on paper?
This is where we run through all that and more, as we list out some of the facts about WWE Backlash 2017 that you need to know!
#1 Randy Orton overtakes Bret Hart
Orton moves up the historical list another notch
Randy Orton may have lost his WWE strap to the Maharaja, but heading into Backlash with the Title still meant that he usurped Brett Hart, who was in the 6th spot, on the list of longest cumulative reigns as WWE Champion.
Orton has held the belt for 659 days, meaning that only Pedro Morales, John Cena, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan and Bruno Sammartino are ahead of him on the list. An interesting fact to note here may be that although Orton and Cena are only separated by 3 Title reigns (13 and 16), Cena has held the top prize for almost twice as long with a cumulative total of 1257 days as WWE Champion.
Of course, the legendary Bruno Sammartino heads the pile with 4040 days as Champion. Now that’s a record that we can safely say, will never be surpassed.
#2 AJ Styles KOed
KO has always gotten the better of Styles in WWE
Kevin Owens may be the self-professed Face of America, but he was up against it when stepping to the man on whose back SmackDown Live! was built and the consensus best pro wrestler on the planet today, AJ Styles.
But was he actually?
Records show that in 4 meetings between AJ Styles and Kevin Owens on WWE programming, Owens has not dropped a single match to Styles. Zilch. Nada.
He’s 4-0 up, counting the match on BackLash 2017, of course. To rub salt in the wounds, Owens was also the man that eliminated AJ Styles from the 2016 Royal Rumble match where he made his electric WWE re-debut. (Styles actually made his WWE debut in 2002)
To truly put things in perspective about Owens’ impressive domination, Styles’ record against the all-conquering John Cena himself stands at 2-1.
WWE Backlash 2017: 5 stats and facts you must know
A look at Backlash 2017...in numbers!
#3 Randy Orton’s longevity
Orton’s appearance record at Backlash has been impressive, to say the least
On to our third stat of the day and the Viper pops back in for seconds.
Did you know that Randy Orton’s participation has been the only constant in the last five consecutive Backlash pay-per-view shows? Now, considering that the WWE had discontinued it in the middle, from 2010-2015, only makes this statistic stand out even more.
And barring the 2016 iteration of the event when he was ambushed by Wyatt backstage and rendered unable to compete (kayfabe), Orton has also been involved in the main event of each of the Backlash pay-per-views in the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2017.
Jinder Mahal was always in with a shout of winning the WWE Title
From the beginning of the Backlash event in 1999, then titled Backlash: In Your House, the WWE Title has changed hands 5 times in the pay-per-view. While that isn’t an eye-popping number at first glance, the fact that the last 3 editions of the show have all consecutively featured the Champion dropping the belt tells a tale of its own.
And if yesterday’s show was taken into account, that becomes 4. (2008, 2009, 2016 and 2017)
There may not be much to read into this statistic except perhaps that the WWE feels that this time of the year, around 2 months on from WrestleMania, presents an opportunity to refresh the Title picture and introduce some fresh blood to it.
Well, that certainly worked out favourably for Jinder Mahal. Speaking of whom...
#5 Jinder Mahal – the 50th WWE Champion
Congratulations Jinder Mahal
The Maharaja captured the WWE Title from Randy Orton at Backlash and in doing so, gained the distinction of becoming the 50th different person to hold the vaunted belt. In an industry that places so much importance on history and legacy, that’s undoubtedly a feather on Jinder Mahal’s turban.
Mahal also became the first person of direct Indian origin to win the WWE Championship, a moment of historical import for India although he wasn’t born in the country (he was born in Alberta, Canada).
In any case, it’s heartening to see the WWE take notice of its considerable fan base in India and give Jinder a run with the WWE Title. And now that we’re done with all the statistics and number crunching, everyone repeat after me...
WWE Backlash 2017: 5 botches, slip ups, and outrageous moments
See the controversy that could erase Jinder Mahal's win from the history books!
Randy Orton’ reign as WWE Champion ended at Backlash
If there’s one thing that WWE Backlash will be remembered for, it will be for its fair share of surprises.The biggest surprise was, of course, Jinder Mahal’s WWE Championship win in the main event over Randy Orton. Nobody could’ve predicted his rise to the top of the card just a few short months ago let alone his capture of the brand’s top title. Yet, here we are, for better or for worse. Here’s rooting for him growing into this important role.
In addition to Mahal, a few lesser surprises included Sami Zayn’s upset of Baron Corbin as well as Tyler Breeze’s outrageous wardrobe choices. Somehow, the Fashion Police member took a lighthearted approach and won over the Chicago crowd big time.
There was a moderate amount of fun to be had on this card, even if it felt like it all paled in comparison to the TakeOver event that proceeded it one day prior.
There were a few missteps from this SmackDown-exclusive card and we count down those moments. There’s some silly stuff as well as blatant mistakes that need to be dissected, including a huge one that could affect the validity of the reign of the new WWE Champion. You’ll definitely want to see that dose of controversy.
Continue on to relive the botchiest and most outrageous moments from this night.
#5 Hitting JBL with a grandmother’s dress
Tyler Breeze is no stranger to dressing up like a woman. Earlier this year, he infamously donned a Brie Bella-inspired wardrobe in an attempt to become “Breezy Bella.” It was a strange time for him, and it will apparently continue to get stranger for him.
During the Tag Team Championship Match against The Usos, he dressed up in a couple of different disguises, including that of a grandma. When that particular gag ran its course, he was stripped of the womanly attire he was wearing. The dress was then chucked straight into the face of everyone's favourite source of controversy at the announcers’ table – JBL.
As goofy as this moment was, JBL followed it up with a hilarious take on it: “Last time that happened, I paid for it!” TMI, John.
#4 A flat ending
Kevin Owens vs. A.J. Styles for the U.S. Championship was far and away the best thing about this Backlash show. It was a hard-hitting affair that showcased the exceptional talents of both men. Sadly, it left a bad taste when it was over.
Styles tried to hit the champ with a move on top of the announcer’s table, but it didn’t work out for him. He got his foot caught inside an opening, which apparently housed a bear trap or quicksand or something that will cause someone to be terrifyingly stuck. A.J. was utterly immobilised, dangling there until the ref came by to assist him out of the Rubix cube he found his foot inside.
Hopefully, these two get a slightly more definitive ending the next time they face off.
#3 Did he kill him?
Randy Orton has recently decided to become a bubbling source of character and emotion. A few days ago we witnessed how sassy he could be when getting into a spat against the younguns who refuse to learn how to work a proper rest hold.
During the final moments of his WWE Championship defence on SmackDown, he delivered a facial expression so impressive that it likely had even Alexa Bliss taking notes.
Orton was in the process of beating on the Singh Brothers, breaking their comparatively much smaller bodies across the announce tables. It was during the final throw that he made one of his targets land awkwardly on his head and neck.
As Randy turned to walk away, his face was priceless. His look indicated that he was aware of the damage he might’ve caused and he would just have to live with it.
#2 Jinder won
Even though the betting odds were shifting in Jinder Mahal’s direction during the days leading into Backlash, it still seemed improbable. Even so, this former 3MB member successfully pinned the legendary Randy Orton to capture the historic WWE Championship.
It’s shocking and completely outrageous. Just watch the fan reactions as they panned to the crowd after the final bell rang to see the faces of everybody trying to process what they just saw.
Personally, I’ll give Jinder Mahal a chance. He’s got a great look and this contest with Orton was a perfectly acceptable attempt at a main event. And even though there was some involvement by the Singh brothers, Jinder at least scored his win cleanly and without any shred of controversy...
...or did he?
You definitely want to proceed on to the Number One entry to witness what topped this countdown.
#1 The left shoulder was up!
JBL ecstatically proclaimed that dreams can come true and that Hell has frozen over after witnessing Jinder Mahal win the WWE Championship, but all of that ballyhoo might be for nought. When the final pinfall was given a closer look, it becomes blatantly obvious that Randy Orton’s left shoulder raises off of the mat before the third count.
Sorry to rain on your parade, Jinder, but this title win is now mired in controversy. Will WWE address this bad call by a referee whose eyesight was likely too impaired to have been officiating in the first place?
Maybe not, but that doesn’t change the fact that Jinder Mahal did not keep The Viper’s shoulders down for a three count.
