Backstage News On The Future Of Lana’s Character, Jim Ross On Jinder Mahal

This week on WWE SmackDown Live, Lana finally made her debut on the blue brand during the opening segment. The Ravishing Russian asked Shane McMahon if she could enter the first ever women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, and Shane denied her request.

Related: Shane McMahon Reveals First Ever Women’s MITB Briefcase, Lana Debuts On SmackDown Live

Lana later interfered in a tag team match when she attacked Naomi to let the heels get the win. Naomi then demanded a match with Lana, and Shane McMahon announced that the current SmackDown Women’s Champion will be putting her title on the line against Lana at Money in the Bank on June 18th.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that original plans called for Lana to work as a heel on the SmackDown Live brand, but following the reaction she received on this week’s show she will likely end up turning face going forward. Lana is basically filling the role that was originally meant for Eva Marie.

Jinder Mahal is the current WWE Champion, and whether you love him or hate him, everyone has an opinion about him. WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently wrote about Jinder in his latest blog, and he praised his heel character, but questioned whether or not he’s relying too much on the Singh Brothers.

“I’m a fan of the decision to make Jinder Mahal the WWE Champ but I feel that his random utilization of his Singh sidekicks might be overdone. Nonetheless, the former Bollywood Boys take a helluva, ass whipping. Enjoying the villains getting success which generally adds to the build of most storylines within the genre. If I were to err in booking, and I have plenty of times, I’d suggest airing on the side of antagonist angst more often than not. “Heat” is good.”