7 Ups & 1 Down From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Mar 27)

6. Rusev Enters The Title Hunt

Jinder Mahal was all fired up after tagging with Rusev. Him and Sunil Singh met with Ru Ru and Aiden English backstage, celebrating their win, and offering an invitation to attend 'The Maharaja's' post-victory celebration party at WrestleMania 34. Things didn't quite go to plan, though.

A buzzing Rusev informed Mahal that he was heading to Daniel Bryan's office to get him inserted into 'Mania's United States Title match. His participation was confirmed later in the show, and while it's easy to complain about SmackDown's over-reliance on crowded multi-person bouts, his addition is entirely positive.

Interest levels for the Triple Threat were low. Orton vs. Roode vs. Mahal was one of 'Mania's least anticipated bouts, and while Rusev's inclusion won't turn it from a **½ contest to a potential Match Of The Year contender, he definitely elevates it. He's among the most over stars in the company at the moment, a more exciting worker than any of his opponents, and someone who deserves a big spot after proving his ability to get almost anything over. Here's hoping he takes the belt, turns face, and WWE rebuild the division around him, rather than keeping it on Orton or passing it to another vanilla headlocker.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.