10 Things We Learned From The Post-Backlash WWE SmackDown (May 23)
4. Celebrate
As promised, WWE presented a 'Punjabi Celebration' in honour of Jinder Mahal's legitimately shocking WWE Title at Sunday's Backlash pay-per-view.
'The Maharaja' was in fine form cutting down Randy Orton as a has-been as he attempted to establish himself as a top heel, but the company's narrow-minded view on it's own fanbase undermined what could have been an enjoyable segment.
Wrestling is largely behind the times in how it presents all aspects of multiculturalism, most notably in WWE where Vince McMahon's dated vision of Americana is still the prevailing moral compass of good and evil. Merely announcing a 'Punjabi' celebration on American soil would have once been a heat-seeking device, but McMahon's audience are far more tolerant and understanding than old man Vince will possibly ever be able to comprehend.
With drummers drumming, ladies dancing and at least five...gold...rings, it was a premeditated occasion of joy that never actually steered away from that original intention. Mahal's dialogue attempted to forge an irrational divide between the crowd and his Indian fans, but mentioning that he intended to celebrate for his own country drew apathy rather than disdain. As did his decision to cut a follow-up promo in Punjabi. A listless 'USA' crept in, but dulled almost instantly.
It's 2017, why would people really boo this? WWE looked horribly out of touch and a live crowd silently told them so.