One big thing: Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal reveals the unexpected nature of his 2017 title win
Jinder Mahal, known outside the ring as Raj Dhesi, recently opened up about his surprising WWE Championship reign on “Busted Open Radio”. His ascent to the main event scene in 2017 caught many off guard, including Mahal himself.
Key takeaways:
• Mahal initially thought Luke Harper would be the #1 contender
• Randy Orton informed Mahal of the plan to work together
• The original idea was for a “one-off” match with Orton retaining
• Plans changed abruptly, with Vince McMahon deciding to put the title on Mahal
Direct quote:
“Something changed in the last week or the last few days,” Mahal said. “Vince decided to put the championship on me.”
Why it matters:
Mahal’s title win represents one of WWE’s more unexpected championship changes in recent years. It highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of WWE’s booking decisions and how quickly a wrestler’s status can change.
The bigger picture:
• Mahal credits his dramatic physical transformation for his push
• He had dedicated himself to getting in shape and improving his mindset
• The timing aligned perfectly with WWE’s need for a new champion
What’s next:
• Mahal was released from WWE in April 2023
• He’s currently working the independent circuit
• Scheduled to challenge for the AAA Tag Team Championship on August 17
Mahal’s journey from lower mid-card to WWE Champion and back to the independents showcases the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling.
What do you think about Jinder Mahal’s unexpected rise to WWE Champion? Was it the right move for WWE at the time? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
