In the world of professional wrestling, few stories are as captivating as that of Raj Dhesi, better known to fans as Jinder Mahal. His journey to the top, marked by a 170-day reign as WWE Champion, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of the wrestling business. But what makes Dhesi's story truly fascinating is the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded during his time in the spotlight. In an exclusive interview with Busted Open Radio, Dhesi opens up about his WWE Championship run, the pressures of being in the main event, and the surprising turn of events that led to his release from the company in April 2024.
The Stress of Being a Champion
"It was very stressful," Dhesi admits, recalling his time as WWE Champion. "The main event pressure was different compared to my career beforehand. You have to deal with all the opinions about you online. Just being in the Gorilla position itself, when you're WWE Champion, is a very, very high-stress situation; it's the pressure cooker!" Despite the challenges, Dhesi embraced the opportunity, driven by his aspirations to become champion. "I had to become champion before I became champion; it was a mental shift," he explains. "Had I still been doing the same thing I was doing in 3MB – just waiting for my opportunity and just sitting on the sidelines, not really giving that much of an effort – there's no possible way I would've even come close to becoming WWE Champion."
The Unpredictable Nature of WWE
Dhesi's journey to the title was not without its twists and turns. Initially, he was brought back to WWE to fill a roster spot left by Rusev's injury. "Right place, right time," he says. "Rusev went out with a shoulder injury, and they needed somebody to work Randy [Orton]. As we got closer to Backlash, Randy even told me the plan is for him still to work Rusev, so likely it's just a one-shot deal – me and Randy, one pay-per-view. Then as we got closer to Backlash, I think something changed with Vince [McMahon]."
Dhesi believes that Vince McMahon saw the hard work he was putting in and decided to change the plan. "It's always a good thing to shock fans," he says. "What many people don't realize is that Vince is a businessman, and he sees the numbers. He sees the interest in India, and he sees the potential for growth." This perspective highlights the strategic thinking behind WWE's booking decisions, where the company's interest in expanding its global audience played a significant role in Dhesi's rise to the top.
The Mental Shift
The mental shift Dhesi underwent was crucial to his success. "I had to become champion before I became champion," he emphasizes. "It was a mental shift." This shift in mindset allowed him to approach his role with a new level of dedication and focus. "I had just, literally, stopped drinking a couple of months before that and refocused my life, and it was an ongoing process," he explains. This commitment to personal growth and self-improvement was a key factor in his ability to handle the pressures of the main event.
The End of an Era
However, Dhesi's time as WWE Champion was not to last. In April 2024, he was released from the company, returning to the independent scene. "Unfortunately for Dhesi and his fans," as the article puts it, "the company released him in April 2024, and he's since returned to the independent scene." This abrupt end to his WWE run raises questions about the company's strategic planning and the value it places on its performers. It also underscores the unpredictable nature of the wrestling business, where careers can rise and fall in the blink of an eye.
Looking Ahead
As Dhesi moves forward in his wrestling career, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the power of personal growth. "I had to become champion before I became champion," he says. "It was a mental shift." This mental shift, combined with his dedication to his craft, has positioned him well for future success. Whether he returns to WWE or continues to make his mark on the independent scene, Dhesi's story is one that will continue to inspire and captivate wrestling fans around the world.
In my opinion, Dhesi's story is a fascinating blend of personal growth, strategic planning, and the unpredictable nature of the wrestling business. It raises important questions about the value of performers and the strategic thinking behind WWE's booking decisions. As we look ahead to the future of professional wrestling, Dhesi's journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing change.
