10 Things We Learned From The Backlash Go-Home WWE SmackDown (May 16)
1. The Main Event?
Adopting the most traditional scene for a go-home edition of a television show, SmackDown Live! went off the air with Jinder Mahal stood over a downed Randy Orton after the number one contender hit the champion with his force-fed 'Kalas' finisher.
It was the typical minute hype job to give the unlikely challenger as much steam as possible going into his improbable WWE Title match at this Sunday's Backlash pay-per-view.
Distracted by the Singh Brothers after squeezing past Baron Corbin in a show-closing snoozer, Orton was made to appear out of step against the fresh new threat.
Earlier in the show, he'd cut a confident figure backstage, suggesting that he was more than ready to take on his unseasoned opponent, but WWE have done everything in their power to convince audiences of the opposite. It was a dry, indifferent display from the champion seemingly by design, playing into his overwhelmed state in the closing segment.
The Jinder Mahal experiment has worked to a point, but the company would be wise to carefully consider the match's placement on the card in front of the typically raucous Chicago audience.
Neither man is likely to be a favourite, and some steady progression of the 'Maharaja' could be instantly undone by cynical disinterest in the clash. A slot earlier than last would suit both, and may even foster the desired nuclear response should Mahal snare the gold for real.