The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend

Last night on Smackdown, three of the most underutilized performers in the company (Drew McIntyre, Heath Slater & Jinder Mahal) united to assault Brodus Clay.  On paper, these three don't help to compose anyone's list of  "potential stables" right now, but perhaps that's a good thing.



As far as their personas go, it doesn't take a genius to notice that McIntyre, Slater & Mahal have absolutely nothing in common, but they all can relate to the idea of being arguably, the most underrated performers in the entire company.  I believe they each have the potential to be top tier superstars someday, but right now, their sum is greater than their parts.  Individually, none of them has been able to beat superstars like Brodus Clay, but once united, they made easy work of the Funkasaurus and one has to wonder if a stable were to be officially formed, if any superstar (or more importantly, champion) would be safe.  Let's take a look at what each man brings to the table:

 

Drew McIntyre

From: Ayr, Scotland

Age: 27

Height: 6 ft 5 in

Weight: 254lb

Strengths


Once dubbed "The Chosen One" by Vince McMahon himself, McIntyre is a former Intercontinental Champion and easily has the most leadership potential out of the three.  He is big, strong, but also light on his feet and possess the well-roundedness it takes to become WWE Champion.  A few years ago, he was one of the top three names on everyone's list of "future stars".  In the ring, he is skilled, patient and has a very useful mean streak.



Weaknesses


All of Drew's strengths are only exhibited when he's focused.  He has a problem maintaining his cool and things only seem to get worse with each loss.  Look no further than the beginning of 2012, where McIntyre was given chance after chance to impress GM Teddy Long and secure his place on the Smackdown roster.  McIntyre seemed to lose more and more intensity with each loss and not only ended up losing his spot, but his confidence in the process.

Heath Slater

 

From: Pineville, West Virginia

Age: 29

Height: 6 ft 2 in

Weight: 216lb

Strengths


Slater is a three time Tag Team Champion and is has by far the most experience working in groups.  He is at his best when under the guidance of someone with much more ambition.  As part of the original Nexus, he was once one of the most feared men on the roster.  Along with his stablemates, he would participate in organized attacks on every major superstar in the WWE.  With his sly, sneaky demeanor and willingness to attack anyone at any given moment without reason, he can become an irreplaceable ally.



Weaknesses


Heath Slater can often be seen dancing and smiling as if he doesn't have a care in the world even after a heartbreaking defeat.  It seems his main focus is just to be the life of the party and have a good time. That's fine if your only goal in life is to be a "one man band", but if you want to be a world champion someday (as I'm sure he does) it won't due.

Jinder Mahal

From: Punjab, India

Age: 26

Height: 6 ft 4 in

Weight: 222lb

Strengths


In the ring, Mahal has more intelligence than either of his counterparts.  In his matches with Ryback, he lasted longer than both Slater and McIntyre and it was mostly due to his ability to outsmart the ferocious big man.  That sort of ring generalship is a rare find in someone as young as Mahal and he could provide perhaps the unit's most valuable trait, cunning.



Weaknesses


Mahal lacks the experience that Slater and McIntyre have.  He hasn't really been tested in any title matches other than his failed attempt to capture the Intercontinental Championship from Christian earlier in the year.  He may be smart, be he still needs to rub a few more elbows with noteworthy competitors to break free from other rookies on the roster.

Conclusion

Looking at what each man brings to the table, you can clearly see that they each possess the tools that each other needs to make it to the top.  McIntyre's experience and leadership, Slater's "team player" attitude and Mahal's sharpness could combine to form a uniquely powerful stable.  As of right now though, we'll just have to wait and see.