At Sunday night's SmackDown LIVE-exclusive WWE Backlash event, Jinder Mahal defeated Randy Orton to become the brand new WWE Champion, but not without interference from The Singh Brothers during the end portion of the match. After Orton took the Singhs out, Mahal took advantage and pinned Orton to win the title.

Mahal's victory marks his first reign as champion, as well as his first singles title in his WWE career.