Jinder Mahal, known outside of WWE as Raj Dhesi, recently shared his reflections on his remarkable rise in the wrestling world and his historic WWE Championship victory in 2017. In a candid conversation on “Busted Open Radio,” Mahal delved into the unexpected journey that saw him ascend from mid-card status to the pinnacle of WWE, capturing the WWE Championship in a surprising and controversial turn of events.
Mahal recounted how his win was both a personal and professional milestone, marking a dramatic shift in his career trajectory. He described the title victory as a validation of his hard work and dedication, highlighting the emotional weight of achieving such a significant accomplishment. The moment was particularly notable for its unexpectedness, as Mahal’s ascension was seen by many as a bold and unconventional move by WWE.
Reflecting on the experience, Mahal emphasized the profound impact of the win on his life and career. He acknowledged the challenges and criticisms that accompanied his championship run but remained proud of the momentous achievement. His story serves as a testament to the unpredictability of professional wrestling and the potential for surprising turns that can define a wrestler’s legacy.
Unexpected Triumph
Mahal revealed that he was not originally expected to be a top contender. “At that time, I thought Luke Harper was going to be #1 contender,” Mahal explained. His path to the championship took an unexpected twist when Randy Orton, the reigning champion at the time, informed him of the change in plans. “Randy came by… and he told me ‘You’re going over, we’re going to be working.’”
A Journey of Transformation
Reflecting on his journey from mid-card to main event status, Mahal admitted that he was taken aback by the opportunity. “I was just a lower, mid-card guy for several years,” he said. Despite initial plans for Orton to retain the title and feud with Rusev, a last-minute decision by Vince McMahon saw Mahal crowned as WWE Champion.
Mahal attributes his dramatic transformation to his time away from WWE. After a brief stint on the independent circuit from 2014-2016, he dedicated himself to fitness and mental preparation. “Six months, maybe a year prior to that I had just completely dedicated my life toward getting in shape, working on my mindset,” Mahal shared. “It was just timing. Everything worked out perfectly… I was ready for it at that time.”
Current Endeavors
Following his release from WWE in April, Jinder Mahal has made a notable return to the independent wrestling scene. Embracing new opportunities, Mahal is scheduled to compete at AAA’s TripleMania XXXII in Mexico City on August 17. In this high-profile event, he will team up with AEW star Satnam Singh to challenge for the AAA Tag Team Championship.
Mahal’s transition to the independent circuit has been marked by a renewed energy and focus, as he steps into the ring alongside Singh, who is also a prominent figure in the wrestling world. Their partnership is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the AAA Tag Team scene, promising an exciting match for fans in attendance and those watching from afar.
This return to the ring represents a new chapter for Mahal, allowing him to showcase his skills in a different wrestling environment and build on his storied career. As he takes on new challenges and opportunities, Mahal’s involvement in TripleMania XXXII highlights his continued presence and impact in the global wrestling landscape.
