10 Things WWE Is Still Awesome At

10. Entrances

As distinctly opposed to entrance themes, which we'll get to.

Jinder Mahal's entrance on the June 6, 2017 SmackDown was phenomenal. Here was this genuine jobber - not a name talent thrust suddenly into the main event picture, but an actual enhancement talent - masquerading as a top star. It was impossible to believe in, at least until WWE masked the transparency of it all with their peerless use of smoke and mirrors. The Singh Brothers signalled his entrance with a custom introduction, instantly portraying him as something unique. The arena became cloaked in darkness. His awesome theme, at once modern and ethnic, blasted from the speakers. When Mahal emerged from the curtain, he did so with a headscarf designed to terrify. A red carpet graphic rolled out beneath his feet as he bowed to respect the title he was seen to disrespect. It was on the nose, but it worked: Mahal, against all odds, suddenly looked like he was a big deal.

Months into the role, Mahal remains a damp squib as WWE Heavyweight Champion. His matches have ranged from decent to tedious. He gets a reaction, but it's mild and or cheap.

It just be with a bored shrug, but months later, the idea of Jinder Mahal in that spot doesn't feel as incongruous as it should.