While he is a rumored front runner to claim the Money in the Bank briefcase at the SmackDown pay-per-view (PPV) of the same name next month, it’s probably best to not read too much into this item.
But the fact Shinsuke Nakamura is being advertised as challenging WWE champ Jinder Mahal on several July house show cards - like this one from Monday the third in Amarillo, Texas - is interesting for a few reasons...
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It’s an indication WWE is happy with the response to Jinder’s sudden ascension, and will likely have him win his rematch with Randy Orton at Money in the Bank. Also, it looks like the Viper’s time off from house shows is extending out a little further than just the first few weekends in June that was reported last week.
AJ Styles worked with Mahal in Orton’s absence this past weekend, which may be all the more reason to not read too much into promotion for a live event that’s still more than a month away.
But... house shows are where they test out ideas and have wrestlers work on programs/matches that will be coming to our screens in the future. And everything else on that Amarillo card is in line with current or projected feuds.
Let’s just sit here and marvel at the fact Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE title is a real thing that could happen on PPV in the near future.
Thoughts?