6 Damning Things Jinder Mahal's Title Reign Says About WWE

6. Opportunities Are Superficial

WWE love trumpeting SmackDown as "the land of opportunity," and while it's true that Jinder Mahal's sudden ascent to main event status could be twisted to fit this, the narrative isn't consistent.

The yarn spun by Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan is that, with the right mindset and work ethic, any wrestler can reach the top of Mount SmackDown. If this was true, SD's main event scene would be populated by the likes of Sami Zayn and Rusev: wrestlers who've been working their fingers to the bone for several years, yet still find themselves languishing in the midcard.

Rather than justifying the blue brand's tagline, Mahal's rise proves that it is a fallacy. This is a push based on the performer's appearance and perceived value as a marketing tool in an untapped foreign market, not dedication, longevity, and skill. His reign proves that the qualities personified by the Zayns of the world don't matter, and in the end, WWE still default to those who satisfy far more superficial criteria.

WWE isn't a meritocracy. Yes, the past decade has brought increased opportunities to those who don't fit the traditional Superstar mould, but Mahal's reign shows that there has been no paradigm shift.