WWE Hell In A Cell 2017: Assessing The Potential Quality Of All 8 Matches
2. Jinder Mahal Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura - WWE Heavyweight Title Match
It's probably going to be bang average.
Jinder Mahal has thus far offered zero indications, irrespective of opponent, that he has the main event-level stuff. His WWE Heavyweight title win, at Backlash, was elevated by the novelty and the divisive crowd reaction - meeting only the most basic criteria imaginable for a headline match in the historically heated city of Chicago. His first PPV defence, at Money In The Bank, was an inferior sequel. It was more bloated, less novel, and had the temerity to repeat the same finish. Their Punjabi Prison trilogy capper contrived to render a match in which somebody took a 15 feet bump absolutely tedious.
His successful SummerSlam defence of the massively devalued title, against the massively devalued Shinsuke Nakamura, was depressing both in result and execution. Mahal simply controlled the meagre 11 minutes, slowly, with big boots and rest holds - a repertoire and pace as dated as his gimmick. Nakamura is, or was, capable of dragging something good from an average or inexperienced talent. The problem is that this version of Nakamura is separated almost entirely from the man who lit up New Japan just two years ago. Another dismal defeat here may compel fans to file for divorce.
The lack of heat won't help; people seem to just want this business over and done with yesterday. It will be a miracle if fans muster even an audible sense of relief, should Nakamura end Mahal's damaging reign. With news of WWE's December tour of India made official this week, yet another Singh Brothers interference finish beckons.
For f*ck's sake.
Maximum Star Rating Ceiling: **3/4