WWE SmackDown Live: Analysing and grading each segment (6 March, 2018)

#2 Jinder Mahal def. Randy Orton

Bobby Roode distracted Randy Orton

Storyline: Jinder Mahal continually mocked Randy Orton for finishing below Bobby Roode in the SmackDown ‘Top 10 List’ – a power ranking voted for by fellow Superstars. This led to Orton earning an opportunity at Roode’s United States title at Fastlane.

Segment: Orton and Mahal went one-on-one in the first match of the show. The finish saw “The Viper” throw his opponent into Roode, who was on commentary, and the US champion interfered by complaining to the referee just as Orton was about to hit Mahal with an RKO. With his back turned, Orton received a Khallas from Mahal, who picked up the 1-2-3.

Verdict: Like most SmackDown storylines recently, this United States title rivalry hasn’t felt very compelling. Still, this was a decent match between two former WWE champions, with the fans hugely supportive of Orton from start to finish, and it feels like the title match could go either way on Sunday.

Grade: B