Jinder Mahal’s journey in WWE took some unexpected twists earlier this year, starting with an exciting promo segment alongside The Rock and a high-profile World Heavyweight Championship match against Seth Rollins. Despite the buzz surrounding these events, Mahal soon found himself relegated to the sidelines and, eventually, released from the company. In a candid conversation on “Busted Open Radio,” Mahal shed light on a pivotal moment that signaled trouble on the horizon for his WWE career.
Reflecting on his high-profile match with Rollins, Mahal recalled, “So we did the match with Seth and we got a lot of buzz. After that, it was back to nothing. The Royal Rumble was actually one week after that and I wasn’t in the Royal Rumble. That was a huge red flag to me at that time, and was kind of an indication that maybe I wasn’t going to be used.”
Mahal’s disappointment was palpable as he discussed his pitch to enter the Royal Rumble at the coveted number 30 spot, a position traditionally reserved for a major surprise or a significant comeback. Instead, he found himself sidelined, participating in live events and “WWE Main Event,” with limited exposure. His solitary televised appearance following this period was in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royale on the April 5 episode of “WWE SmackDown.” His release came shortly after, marking the end of a notable chapter in his wrestling career.
Despite these setbacks, Mahal has recently reemerged in the wrestling scene, performing under the name Raj Dhesi for GCW. His return to the independent circuit has been a fresh start, allowing him to reconnect with fans and explore new opportunities.
Looking back on his WWE tenure, Mahal expressed a sense of acceptance and gratitude. “That’s the thing with WWE — you get many opportunities and sometimes you have missed opportunities,” he said. “It’s all good. I had a great time there and I have very close friends that work there. I still support them. I watch the product and it’s amazing.”
Jinder Mahal’s reflections underscore the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling careers, where moments of success can swiftly turn into periods of uncertainty. Despite reaching significant milestones, such as winning the WWE Championship, Mahal’s journey has illustrated how quickly the landscape can change in the wrestling world. His experiences highlight the volatility inherent in the sport, where career trajectories can shift dramatically due to various factors.
Mahal’s continued support for WWE and his recent return to the independent wrestling scene demonstrate his resilience and enduring passion for the sport. Even as he navigates the challenges and uncertainties that come with a wrestling career, Mahal remains dedicated to his craft. His involvement in the independent circuit not only showcases his commitment to wrestling but also allows him to connect with fans and contribute to the sport in new ways.
His journey serves as a testament to the perseverance required in professional wrestling, where the highs and lows are often closely intertwined. Mahal’s ability to adapt and continue pursuing his wrestling goals reflects the broader reality of the industry, where success is often accompanied by the need to navigate unexpected changes and remain passionate about the craft.
