Bobby Roode had defended his United States Championship twice, over a span of two weeks after winning it on Smackdown Live, last month.
He defeated Jinder Mahal to win it, whereas, the successful defences happened against the likes of Mojo Rawley and Rusev. Going forward, the title storyline was made interesting.
Randy Orton came out of nowhere to hit an RKO on him to start a brand new feud over the United States title.
This is for the very first time that the Apex Predator of the WWE is going after this particular title. Never before in his career, the veteran star had won this mid-card title.
IT’S OFFICIAL: @REALBobbyRoode defends his #USTitle against #TheViper @RandyOrton at #WWEFastlane! #SDLive pic.twitter.com/RTzAH3k6Br
— WWE (@WWE) February 21, 2018
This brand new rivalry was made even better with Jinder Mahal continuing his luck for the United States Championship. He appeared on the scene for two weeks in a row gunning for it.
A confrontation happened on the blue brand, last week which saw him trying to ambush the champion.
Orton was involved, too who was put down by Roode with his finishing manoeuvre. But, it was Jinder who stood tall by hitting the Khallas on the champion.
This happened for two weeks in a row, as the former WWE Champion was able to deliver a huge statement.
When @RandyOrton‘s name is mentioned enough, you better believe #TheViper is going to SHOW UP!#SDLive @JinderMahal @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/uwhonZ0Wo1
— WWE (@WWE) February 21, 2018
Quite apparently, Daniel Bryan was willing to give him a chance at the Fastlane PPV for the title.
But, it was Shane McMahon who denied to do so. Instead, he gave a shot to The Viper for the championship. He made a match official between Bobby Roode and Randy Orton at the Fastlane PPV.
Last week, the match was included in the PPV event. But, it is likely to change in due course. According to the reports of cagesideseats.com, the match should be changed into a triple threat match with Jinder Mahal getting added to it.
This should make an interesting match at the last Smackdown-exclusive PPV.
Once again, The #ModernDayMaharaja STANDS TALL. #SDLive @JinderMahal @RandyOrton @SinghBrosWWE @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/2rPA2OllUc
— WWE (@WWE) February 21, 2018
The Modern-day Maharaja has been a part of the storyline angle since the Royal Rumble PPV.
The creative team did include him for a reason, in this storyline. Quite expectedly, a singles match has also been added between Orton and Mahal on this week’s show.
So, the alteration is expected to happen on this week’s Smackdown via Daniel Bryan who was rooting for Jinder. It will also continue his rift against Shane-O-Mac.
