Jinder Mahal, known as Raj Dhesi outside the ring, recently opened up about the circumstances surrounding his release from WWE on April 19, 2024. His second stint with WWE ended abruptly, and he revealed that he noticed warning signs well before his departure.
Mahal explained that despite initially feeling optimistic about his position in WWE, things took a turn after a high-profile match with Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship on “WWE Raw.” Despite the buzz generated by the match, Mahal found himself absent from key events like the Royal Rumble, a clear indication to him that his role within the company was diminishing. He had pitched to enter the Royal Rumble at the coveted number 30 spot, hoping to regain momentum, but his idea was ultimately dismissed, further fueling his concerns.
Reflecting on his release, Mahal shared that he had no hard feelings and appreciated his time with WWE, valuing the friendships and experiences he gained along the way. Since then, he has embraced the independent wrestling scene under his real name, Raj Dhesi, performing in promotions like GCW. Looking back, Mahal emphasized the unpredictable nature of the wrestling industry, where opportunities can be fleeting, but he remains grateful for his journey and the support of fans.
The Ominous Signs
During a candid conversation on Busted Open Radio, Mahal reflected on the events leading up to his release. A match with Seth Rollins on the January 15, 2024 episode of WWE Raw generated significant buzz, giving him hope for future opportunities. However, his absence from the Royal Rumble a week later raised alarm bells.
“So we did the match with Seth and we got a lot of buzz [on the January 15, 2024, WWE Raw],” Mahal recounted. “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.”
Missed Opportunities
Mahal revealed that he had pitched to be the Number 30 entrant in the men’s Royal Rumble match, a highly coveted spot eventually given to Sami Zayn. This missed opportunity was another indication that his future with WWE might be in jeopardy.
Despite these setbacks, Mahal maintains a positive outlook on his time with WWE. “That’s the thing with WWE — you get many opportunities, and sometimes you have missed opportunities. 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,” he shared.
The Final Chapter
After his buzzworthy match with Rollins, Mahal’s WWE career took a downward turn. He found himself primarily featured on WWE Main Event and live shows rather than prominent televised events. His final appearance on WWE television was in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the April 5 episode of WWE SmackDown.
Reflections and Future Endeavors
Mahal’s release from WWE marks the end of a significant chapter in his wrestling career. His journey with the company was marked by high-profile moments, including a reign as WWE Champion. Despite the ups and downs, Mahal expressed gratitude for his experiences and the relationships he formed along the way.
As he moves forward, Mahal’s insights into the industry and his positive attitude suggest that he remains open to new opportunities, whether within the wrestling world or beyond. His reflections on the ‘huge red flag’ serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling and the resilience required to navigate its challenges.
Looking Ahead
With his WWE days behind him, Mahal, now Raj Dhesi, has the chance to explore new avenues and redefine his career path. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching to see where his journey takes him next, and whether he might find new opportunities in other wrestling promotions or entirely different fields.
