RISING STARS & FADING STARS – WWE Smackdown: Jinder Mahal, Gable & Benjamin, Sin Cara, Sami Zayn

After Hell in a Cell almost two weeks ago, let’s follow up with how Smackdown followed up before we’re graced with unnecessary risk-taking at TLC on Sunday.

RISING STAR OF SMACKDOWN: Jinder Mahal

Jinder remained neutral during HIAC as the focus was more on Nakamura losing clean than Mahal winning clean. We knew that Jinder is being built up as main eventer, but sterilizing Shinsuke was a frustrating yarn to seen spun.

However, I’m not giving this “Rising Star” to Jinder just because he challenged Brock Lesnar, figuratively (and probably literally) his biggest opponent yet, but it’s the gusto he came traipsing in on. There was something in his mannerisms that gave off a – I’ll say it – a certain Triple H vibe. His delivery is still a little robotic, a little stiff, a little scripted but he’s making progress, and lining him up with two special talents like Lesnar and A.J Styles will only help his cause.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Sami Zayn: HIAC’s Rising Star had a “wait and see” label stamped on his forehead, and we’re seeing a little promise, but we still gotta wait. His opening promo was appropriate and heelish enough for the time being, especially when he’s playing sandpaper to hometown hero, Daniel Bryan (still trying to wash that awful HIAC Tye Dillinger “10” segment out of my head), but I’m stil pretty worried he’s going to be Owens’ lackey best buddy rather than a top heel in his own right.

Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin: I say the more segments the better for these two. Shelton isn’t known for his mic work, but he’s got a good amount of legacy in his cache that his mere presence just adds to the segment. Gable has a pretty eye-catching personality that really all Benjamin has to do is stand by his side to enhance the moment. Let’s maybe cut the minor heel stuff (like that handshake fake-out) if you’re going to push the duo as likable. A little d-baggy on their part, otherwise.

Sin Cara: Uh, yeah. I’m surprised too. Cara gets an added boost because he’s been heavily promoted in mainstream sneaker advertisements for Mexican Heritage month (random as he is for something like that), but they’re trying to give viewers something to latch onto for him I guess? Unless he’s just a future Kamala for Corbin’s Hogan.

Dolph Ziggler: I would never in my life have thought that Dolph would ever again be sniffing this side of the column, but getting completely rid of anything show-offy to his persona may be the best (and only) option for him. Maybe next they can have him come out with neutral tights, boots and a new dye job so he’s totally away from any kind of Dolph we’re familiar with. Hell, go as far as a name change if you ask me.

FADING STAR OF SMACKDOWN: Bobby Roode

Much like I did with Bayley and Enzo in the past, I choose Bobby Roode through extremely gritted teeth as he’s one of my favorite talents on either roster.

What are they thinking? Not only losing to *gasp* that honorable mention Dolph Ziggler, but not giving him any mic time to speak? Exactly like Nakamura, the theme music will only get you so far. They have to give Bobby a true chance before he goes the way of the sadly aforementioned.

No dishonorable mentions for Smackdown (too bad the ratings didn’t reflect that) and now with TLC set for Sunday, they’ll get a pardon until next week. Just like Sami, “wait and see.”

NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS COLUMN: RISING STARS & FADING STARS – WWE Hell in a Cell: Sami Zayn, Bobby Roode, Baron Corbin, Usos, Nakamura, Dillinger