@Riot If Azir ends up underperforming...
Just give back his knock up. That ult change is horrible, and the soldier spawn on E does not make his E feel any better. Imo, you would have been better off giving him an entirely new E and supporting his long range playstyle if you weren't going to fully commit to the shorter ranged route.
Edit: I said "IF" Azir "ENDS UP" underperforming. Not referring to his current win rate, we all know how things can change.