WWE Backlash 2017: 10 Huge Predictions You Need To Know

3. Jinder Wins

Shinsuke Nakamura Backlash
WWE

It's been the quickest and most improbable rise up the card since John 'Bradshaw' Layfield abandoned APA partner Faarooq, donned a suit and snared the WWE Title from Eddie Guerrero in 2004.

The move to crown the former cowboy was lambasted at the time, with many boycotting Smackdown in protest at the sight of a known bully and perennial lower card brawler taking the title from the beloved Champion.

To his credit, JBL grew into the role as a character at least, if not particularly improving after the bell rang. His matches were still dull scuffles, but his promo work was stellar enough to justify his June victory stretching through to WrestleMania where he'd put over John Cena in the 'Champ's ascension to the upper echelon.

To Jinder Mahal then, who's anointment as Number One contender drew derision from all corners of the fanbase as he somehow conquered five other men a week after losing to Mojo Rawley in three minutes.

Ostensibly selected out of the blue due to an incredible physical reinvention but more cynically chosen to tap into an enormous Indian market largely untouched by major organisations, Mahal ticks most of the boxes associated with a spontaneous Vince McMahon elevation.

Orton's latest spell with the title has been irreversibly damaged by the dire encounters with Bray Wyatt, so a fresh start with Mahal would do as much for the belt as it would the 'Maharaja'.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett