In a candid interview with Chris Van Vliet, former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal opened up about the rollercoaster of public perception surrounding his surprising rise to the top of WWE in 2017. Mahal, who was thrust into the spotlight after a shocking victory over Randy Orton at Backlash, discussed the initial backlash, the evolution of fan attitudes, and the persistent criticisms that have shadowed his career.
Mahal’s ascent to WWE Championship was met with skepticism by many fans and critics alike. Not viewed as a top contender prior to his title win, Mahal’s victory was seen by some as sudden and unearned. Reflecting on the shifting perceptions over time, Mahal compared his experiences to his days in the wrestling trio, 3MB. “At that time, people said ‘3MB sucks,’ ‘what are these guys?’ ‘Release 3MB.’ But now everywhere I go, people are like 3MB was awesome, we love 3MB,” Mahal noted. This shift, from ridicule to nostalgia, mirrors the broader reassessment of his time as WWE Champion.
During the interview, Mahal addressed one of the most common critiques—that his championship win was primarily a strategic move to grow WWE’s market presence in India. He challenged this view by sharing insights into his personal and professional growth during his time away from WWE, which included being released and then re-hired by the organization. “People think that I was just given it because of India. But I was the same when I got released, and if I didn’t have that transformation and really have that mindset change and apply myself fully I wouldn’t have become WWE Champion,” Mahal explained. He emphasized that his success was a result of hard work and dedication, rather than merely a business strategy by WWE.
Mahal also recounted the emotional and professional rollercoaster of learning he would become WWE Champion, describing his disbelief and the weight of the opportunity. His championship win came just a few months after being part of a WrestleMania segment with Rob Gronkowski, which few could have predicted would lead to his ascension as a main event star. “It was as surprising to me as it was to everyone else,” said Mahal. “One moment, I’m part of a spectacle, the next I’m holding the WWE Championship.”
The interview also touched on Mahal’s personal journey and the resilience needed to overcome public and inside-the-industry skepticism. “Yes, it’s a business but so was every other champion. WWE is a business. So I think people believe I wasn’t deserving of it, I was just given it because of, oh, we want to expand in India. But India was there while I was released when I was in 3MB, when I debuted. The market has always been big since Great Khali,” he elaborated.
As he continues his career, Jinder Mahal remains a figure of controversy and admiration. His story is one of perseverance, unexpected opportunities, and the complex dynamics of fan reception in professional wrestling. Mahal’s candid reflections offer an inside look at the challenges of navigating fame and criticism in the high-pressure world of WWE.
What are your thoughts on Jinder Mahal’s journey and his views on the criticisms he faced? How do you view his evolution from a member of 3MB to WWE Champion? Share your perspectives in the comments section below.