Jinder Mahal: ‘WWE Fans See an Indian as an Outsider’

Jinder Mahal’s push and championship win came completely out of nowhere, as he was pretty much used as an enhancement guy ever since his return to WWE last year. But, WWE wanted to get some attention from the Indian market, and they certainly have done just that.

During a recent interview with The Times in India, Mahal talked about his quick rise to the top of WWE, feeling like an outsider, and if he’ll ever defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in India.

On being a main event guy:

“Being seen as a main event guy is my biggest challenge. The viewers and the fans hesitate to see me as a main-event guy. That is a challenge, my biggest challenge. Right now, my goal is to change people’s perception and make them believe that I belong here, and that I deserve to be the champion.”

On rising to the top so quickly:

“I don’t think the ascension has been really quick. People saw the rise but didn’t get to see the hard work I put in on the independent circuit over the last few years after I was released by the WWE. That got me here and that counts too.”

On being an outsider in WWE:

“Definitely , as an Indian, I’m seen as an outsider, and definitely , the jeers come from that. But I enjoy it, I even encourage it. Whatever noise they make when I’m in the ring, it motivates me, drives me to do better. I enjoy those jibes so I’m not affected by that at all.”

On potentially defending the title in India:

“Oh! That would be great. It’s definitely a possibility. In fact, it is one of the goals that drives me to remain champion for a long time. I want to be WWE Champion by the time WWE returns to India to do a live show, so that I can face and beat guys like Randy Orton, John Cena, or AJ Styles in front of the Indian fans.”