5 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (April 8)

2. Random Opponents?

First, a minor positive (yes, in a 'Down'!): WWE remember that Ricochet is the reigning Intercontinental Champion, and they've set up a title match for the high-flyer one week ahead of time. The negative bit? It's against Jinder Mahal of all people.

This isn't some anti-Jinder rant, but what the f*ck has he done to deserve a crack at any championship? The guy's last televised win was way back on the 27 September 2021 episode of Raw, for crying out loud - that was also a six man (Mahal, Shanky and Veer vs. Jeff Hardy, Mansoor and Mustafa Ali).

What's the point of "Contender's Matches" if wrestlers can just stroll into Adam Pearce's office, make bold demands their performances don't reflect and then come away with a crack at some gold? That kind of booking is all over the place.

There's a difference between setting up something substantial for Rico and hurling stopgap challengers his way.