8 New Directions For WWE Champion Jinder Mahal
2. Use Him To Turn Rusev Face
Though he has appeared in a number of pre-taped segments lately, Rusev is still nursing his wounds following surgery in March, and has yet to return to live television. He has, however, demanded a title shot at Money In The Bank, and while rumours suggest this is leading towards a match with Shane McMahon, putting him against Jinder makes more sense.
Mahal was confusingly placed into Rusev’s feud with Big Cass and Enzo Amore earlier this year, but their union didn’t last. The duo split at Fastlane, where they both lost singles matches after signalling their intent to go it alone, and the tension has gone unresolved. Thus, putting them in a brief feud with each other gives WWE the chance to tie-up that particular loose end.
The company could also use this as an opportunity to turn Rusev face. ‘The Bulgarian Brute’ has always had justifiable motivations as a character, and with Lana seemingly focused on a goofy dancing gimmick in the women’s division, he finally has the opportunity to try something new. Rusev is a tremendous in-ring competitor, and a highly entertaining performer when allowed to show the full breadth of his personality. He'd have no trouble getting over, and WWE would be wise to capitalise.