Another Reason for Jinder Mahal's Push?

That’s one explanation. A few weeks back, Jinder Mahal shocked the wrestling world by winning a Six Pack Challenge to become the new #1 contender to Randy Orton’s Smackdown World Title. While the general consensus seems to be an attempt to bolster the WWE’s presence in India, there seems to be an American centered reason as well.

According to the “Wrestling Observer Newsletter” by way of 411mania.com, WWE is pushing Mahal in this role to help get away from the pay per view model. If “Backlash 2017” was primarily a regular pay per view selling for $50, odds are it would sell very poorly. With it being a WWE Network special at only $9.99, there’s a stronger chance of more people buying a show with a lower level challenger.

Opinion: This is hardly a new idea. Back in the 1990s the WWF did the exact same thing with the In Your House series, which saw names like the Patriot and the British Bulldog getting World Title shots. Mahal is fine for a short term challenger for a low level pay per view, especially one with AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens on the card for the more traditional showdown.