Edge On Possible Reason For AJ Styles Defeating Jinder Mahal For The WWE Championship
Recently on E&C's Pod Of Awesomeness, pro wrestling greats Edge and Christian shared their thoughts on AJ Styles defeating Jinder Mahal on SmackDown Live to become the new WWE Champion. Also, the podcastronauts weighed in on the upcoming match between Styles and WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar.
On the subject of Styles defeating Mahal for the blue brand's world title, Christian said he was happy that the English crowd in attendance for SmackDown Live got to share in that surprising title change.
"I think it was a pretty big moment and I think it was the right guy to do it with," Christian said. "And I think it was kind of shocking. I don't think anybody was expecting it, especially with the build they've been doing with Jinder and Brock, I don't think anybody expected it. But do you know what? It's good to reward the fans over there with a big moment like that because they always show up over there in the U.K., in Europe. They're always big crowds and they're diehards. They support it and they love it and it's good that they get rewarded with a big moment like that. It was a shocking moment, so it was pretty cool."
Edge suggested that replacing Mahal with Styles at Survivor Series so close to the event is hotshot booking.
"It's pretty cool," Edge admitted. "It feels a little hot-shotted. I'm not going to lie, after the buildup of Jinder and everything. I just kind of assumed [the title change] would be at 'Mania."
Additionally, Edge speculated that the title change occurred on SmackDown Live partly to support the world premiere of USA Network's new series, Damnation, which aired immediately following SmackDown.
"I think there [are] probably a few factors that go in. I think USA [Network] was debuting a new TV series after. And while some of you may scoff and say, 'WWE wouldn't change their business for that,' yes, they would. The Shooter was debuting and they stacked the 900th episode of SmackDown. That's why I was there. That's why Taker was there. They'll do those things because they're on the USA Network and USA Network asks for a favor, so they'll do them a favor."
While Christian understands why peeps say the angle has been rushed, he is confident the supposed dream match between Styles and Lesnar will deliver.
"People were complaining about it, but he's a legit heel. People don't want to see him win. And I know [Edge] said it might have been hot-shotted. It might have been, but it was also one of those things where people weren't expecting it and that's hard to do. So in that case, I like it. I think AJ and Brock will be a pretty awesome match. "
Christian added, "It can be seen as maybe a little bit quick. It is one of the 'big four' pay-per-views, right? Survivor Series? It is one of the main shows. It gives it a little bit more oomph to that show."
Edge agreed that Styles versus Lesnar requires a forum such as Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam, or Survivor Series.
"I'm not a big fan of giving away the big matches on I don't want to say throwaway pay-per-views because they're not, don't get me wrong. If there's going to be this match, I'm happy that at least it's on one of the big pay-per-views, one of the original four."
Christian complemented Mahal for his effort in the role as a heel champion.
"Jinder played his role perfectly and he seems like he's a really motivated guy and a lot of the negative things people say about him, he uses that as fuel to kind of keep proving people wrong and so good for him."
Edge also spoke highly of Styles, Mahal, and The Singh Brothers.
"The dude's 40 [years old], so he ain't no spring chicken, but you wouldn't know it from looking at him or watching him move, so hat's off to AJ and hat's off to Jinder."
Edge continued, "and hat's off to The Singh Brothers because they came out of nowhere with this and they did their job to a very high degree. They added a lot to that whole package and they're good dudes, so hat's off to them."
TOMMAY! If you use any of the quotes from this article, please credit E&C's Pod Of Awesomeness with an H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Source: E&C's Pod Of Awesomeness