8 Big Concerns Ahead Of WWE Clash Of Champions 2017

4. Singhing In The Rain

AJ Styles Jinder Mahal
WWE.com

Jinder Mahal's last match with AJ Styles was the best of his career. Taking place on the November 7th episode of SmackDown, it saw the lowly 'Modern Day Maharaja' elevated by the consensus best wrestler in the company, who worked his backside off to make the outgoing WWE Champion look good, resulting in one of the most cathartic title changes in recent memory. It wasn't a great match, but it was about as good as we're going to get from a worker as limited as Jinder.

The lack of overused heel tropes was one of the main reasons behind its success, with The Singh Brothers reduced to just a single spot at the end. WWE used the duo liberally throughout Mahal's reign, as they understand Sunil & Samir's reckless bumps can be used to mask Jinder's deficiencies, but such distractions aren't exactly conducive to great bouts. Unfortunately, the law of averages suggests that they'll revert to their old invasive ways at Clash Of Champions.

The Singhs are fine in their roles, but we already know Styles and Mahal have a decent match in them. Why spoil it with horseplay?

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.