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With both men in desperate need of a win, SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan had a little fun with the match-up of Jinder Mahal versus Tye Dillinger.
Mahal came into the United States title tournament looking to rebound from another loss from AJ Styles. Dillinger on the other hand has not been seen on WWE television in over a month.
Unlike the earlier Bobby Roode vs. Baron Corbin first round match, Mahal and Dillinger kept it short and sweet.
PERFECT N pic.twitter.com/WvzjQJ1aFY
— TDE Wrestling (@totaldivaseps) December 27, 2017
Judges?#SDLive @WWEDillinger pic.twitter.com/8xCLHquHIB
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) December 27, 2017
Gutbuster from @JinderMahal #SDLive #USTitle pic.twitter.com/sKNeAkCLk1
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubItal) December 27, 2017
Neither @JinderMahal nor @WWEDillinger want to let this First Round #USTitle Tournament opportunity slip away on #SDLive! pic.twitter.com/NAbR0wZoGL
— WWE (@WWE) December 27, 2017
Mahal would pick up the win after an abrupt sequence. Dillinger hit a DDT but only for a two count. While looking to inflict further damage Mahal took out Dillinger’s knee and wrapped him up in the Khallas for the 1-2-3.
Will Jinder Mahal go from being the WWE Champion right into winning the SmackDown US title tourney?