Jinder Mahal Reveals Vince McMahon Personally Approved His Surprise TV Appearance

BY SACNILK

Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal has revealed that his memorable confrontation with The Rock on WWE Raw generated more messages and phone calls than the night he won the WWE Championship. Mahal discussed the moment during an interview with Denise Salcedo, reflecting on the January 1, 2024 episode of Raw, where he unexpectedly found himself sharing the ring with one of the biggest stars in WWE history. The segment began with Mahal delivering a heated promo in which he complained about being disrespected and criticized the United States. He was then interrupted by The Rock, who returned to WWE and quickly turned the segment into a memorable verbal exchange before taking down Mahal. Looking back at the reaction to the segment, Mahal revealed that the response was surprisingly bigger than what he experienced after becoming WWE Champion. “More people messaged me after that promo with The Rock than when I won the WWE Championship. Yes. Yes. Yes. I guess it was a bigger moment. More people saw it. You’re in the ring with The Rock, like the most recognizable name in all of entertainment—or in anything—in the whole entire world.” Mahal explained that his perspective was somewhat different because, as a professional wrestler, he was simply doing his job. Even though becoming WWE Champion was obviously a major achievement, the reaction to the Rock segment showed him how much mainstream attention can come from sharing a moment with a superstar of The Rock's stature. Mahal also revealed that he did not have much time to prepare for the segment. He said he learned only a couple of days beforehand that The Rock would be involved. “I was just told, ‘Hey, you’re going to go out there and then Rock’s going to crash.’ That’s it. That’s all I was told.” The promo itself was written by former WWE writer Brian Gewirtz. Mahal recalled receiving the material on the morning of the show and initially questioning whether some of the lines could actually be delivered on WWE television. “It was kind of talking trash about the United States and the way things are here. And I thought, ‘We can’t do this on WWE TV.’ I asked him, like, ‘Brian, are you sure?’ He’s like, ‘Yes, I’m sure. This is what we’re doing.’ I was like, ‘Okay, let’s go.’” The segment would ultimately become one of the most talked-about moments of the show, with Mahal playing an important role in The Rock's return. Mahal also recalled meeting The Rock before the segment and being impressed by how prepared the Hollywood star was. According to Mahal, The Rock had already memorized his material while Mahal was still going through his lines with a piece of paper. “At that time, Rock already had the promo memorized. I was still going to talk to Brian about it, but Rock wanted to rehearse. He’s hitting his lines. I’m still reading from a piece of paper.” Despite the pressure of working with The Rock, Mahal believes he delivered one of the strongest promos of his career and showed fans a side of himself that they had not seen before. “I really felt like I held my own and I showed the WWE Universe and WWE management a different side of me, a different promo style.” Mahal admitted that WWE ultimately did not capitalize on the momentum from the segment, but he has no regrets about being part of it. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalize on it, but all good. It was a great moment.” The former WWE Champion also revealed that The Rock later sent him a voice message thanking him for his contribution to the segment.

BY SACNILK

Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal has opened up about Roman Reigns' early days in WWE developmental, revealing that the two men actually started at Florida Championship Wrestling on the exact same day. While speaking with Denise Salcedo, Mahal recalled that Reigns was a very different person when he first arrived in developmental compared to the global superstar he eventually became. “Me and Roman started in FCW in developmental the exact same day,” Mahal revealed. The former WWE Champion said the future Tribal Chief was still finding his direction at the time after his football career had ended. “At first, like at that time, Roman, he was a little bit out of shape,” Mahal recalled. “He basically after football had gotten a job. I believe even moving furniture or something. And I think he was drinking and just unmotivated and unfocused.” However, Mahal said Reigns quickly began showing signs that he could become something special. He specifically remembered watching Reigns' first match against Joe Hennig, who later became known as Curtis Axel. “I also remember his very first match. It was against Joe Henning, Curtis Axel. And like his first match was really, really good for a first match. Like unbelievable.” Mahal said the wrestlers backstage immediately noticed something different about Reigns. “I remember watching it as it's happening. We had the little viewing area backstage and with a monitor where all the wrestlers watch it. I remember like everybody watching it like, ‘Wow, like this is his first match.’” According to Mahal, WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes was also among the first people to recognize Reigns' potential. Mahal recalled a promo class where Rhodes singled out Reigns, who was performing under the name Leakee at the time. “Actually Dusty Rhodes was the first person to call it,” Mahal said. “I remember it was promo class just on a random Wednesday and he said, ‘Out of this whole group, the guy here is Roman Reigns.’” Mahal said Rhodes specifically told the group that Reigns was the standout. “At that time his name was Leakee. He said, ‘Leakee is the guy.’” However, Mahal believes Reigns truly began to transform after suffering an ACL injury. “But that, like Roman or Leakee didn't come really into somewhat of a full form until he came back from that ACL surgery.” Mahal explained that fans can see a major difference when looking back at Reigns' early NXT footage. “If you go on YouTube and you see Leakee in early days of NXT, that's when he came with the black and gold, with the trunks, and he's in good shape and product in his hair and he's polished.” Mahal described it as a major transformation. “So it was a nice glow-up.” From there, Mahal watched Reigns evolve into one of WWE's biggest stars, first through The Shield and eventually into the Tribal Chief character. “And then just to see the evolution then onto Shield,” Mahal said. “Same time Shield started, 3MB started like one or two weeks apart.” Mahal pointed out that their respective groups represented completely different sides of WWE at the time. “We were the counterposition of the Shield. We're the complete opposite of the Shield.” Looking back at Reigns' journey from developmental to becoming WWE's dominant Tribal Chief, Mahal believes the transformation has been remarkable. “And then the next evolution into the Tribal Chief and then what he is today is incredible.”

BY SACNILK

Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal has revealed that Vince McMahon personally approved an unexpected television opportunity he received while working for WWE. Mahal discussed the story during an interview with Denise Salcedo, explaining that he was offered a role on ABC's Big Sky around 2020. Rather than waiting for the usual process to play out, Mahal decided to go directly to McMahon. “I got offered to go on a TV show. It was probably around maybe 2020,” Mahal recalled. “I got offered to go on a TV show and I just went straight to Vince.” The former WWE Champion revealed that the show was Big Sky, which aired on ABC. “It was on ABC. It was a show called Big Sky. And I just went to Vince directly and just asked him in his office and he said, ‘Yeah.’” Mahal then informed WWE talent relations that he already had McMahon's approval. “So then I went to [talent relations] after that and I told him Vince already said yes. And there was still a little bit of a hold up, but nonetheless, we got it pushed through.” Despite receiving permission from McMahon, Mahal revealed that WWE did not use the opportunity to promote him. “I just did it and WWE didn't advertise it or push it or anything, but I got to do a TV show.” Mahal believes the situation was particularly notable because outside opportunities for WWE wrestlers were viewed differently during McMahon's era. “At that time it was a little bit of a taboo thing to do,” Mahal explained. “Just Vince was in a good mood that day. He could have easily have said no.” The former WWE Champion also offered his perspective on why McMahon was sometimes protective of WWE talent pursuing opportunities outside wrestling. “I've always felt that WWE and Vince, he was protective,” Mahal said. “He didn't want someone to maybe leave the wrestling business or get too big, too famous, and then you all of a sudden have to pay them more and give them less dates.” According to Mahal, that dynamic has changed considerably in WWE today. He believes wrestlers now have significantly more opportunities outside the company and more control over their careers. “But right now I feel that wrestlers really do have a lot of power,” Mahal stated. “There's other leagues that have started that are around, other viable options for wrestlers to pursue careers in.” Mahal also pointed to mainstream exposure as something that can benefit both wrestlers and wrestling companies. “Overall, it's all good for wrestlers. Again, exposure, mainstream exposure is both good for the wrestler and the wrestling promotion.” His comments provide an interesting look back at how outside entertainment opportunities were handled during his WWE career—and how much the landscape has changed since then.

BY SACNILK

Jinder Mahal found himself back in the spotlight in the early weeks of 2024. The former WWE Champion reappeared at WWE Raw Day One, facing a memorable confrontation and mockery from The Rock. ## In the subsequent week, Mahal interrupted WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, challenging him for the title. The main event of the January 15 WWE Raw featured Mahal taking on Rollins for the championship. Before the show, rumors circulated about extra pyrotechnics being brought in for Raw.## Following his loss to Rollins, Mahal took to Twitter/X to share his thoughts. Mahal sarcastically mentioned the rumors, stating, "So much for sending that extra Pyro for my Punjabi Celebration." ## Over the past week, Mahal has been a hot topic in the wrestling world. AEW CEO Tony Khan pointed out a double standard among fans, questioning why there was more criticism for HOOK challenging AEW World Champion Samoa Joe compared to Mahal getting a title shot. ## Welp, so much for sending that extra Pyro for my Punjabi Celebration…— The Maharaja (@JinderMahal) January 16, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

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The workhorse of WWE, Seth “Freakin” Rollins faced a massive challenge as he defended his World Heavyweight Title against an incensed Superstar on a warpath to put respect on his name and restore his legacy as a champion. ## WWE Raw 1/15/24: Seth Rollins vs. Jinder Mahal Full Match ## Sanga gets on the apron, and Jinder takes advantage of the distraction to attack Seth from behind. Jinder executes a slam, but Seth blocks Khallas and narrowly avoids Black Out. Jinder sends Seth over the top rope to the floor and follows up with a boot to the back of the head. Seth retaliates with chops, and Jinder responds with a chop of his own. Seth manages to avoid being sent into the ring post and sends Jinder into it instead. Seth delivers a running Harley Race knee off the apron and challenges Sanga and Veer to try something.## Is this @JinderMahal's night to become WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION?Find out up next on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/ET9HWK04vr— WWE (@WWE) January 16, 2024 ## During the commercial break, Damian Priest makes his way toward the ring with the briefcase, but there is no referee present.## Upon returning, Jinder applies an abdominal stretch and follows up with knee drops to Seth. The abdominal stretch is re-applied by Jinder. Seth attempts a clothesline, but Jinder blocks it. They engage in a forearm exchange, with Seth delivering a rolling elbow and a discus clothesline. Seth is sent to the apron and responds with a forearm. He goes up top, hitting a crossbody for a near fall. Seth follows up with a superkick and attempts a Pedigree, successfully hitting it, but Seth reinjures his knee in the process. However, Veer places Jinder's foot on the ropes to halt the count.## Seth ascends the turnbuckles and executes a crossbody onto Veer. He goes up top again but misses a frog splash. Damian Priest stands up, contemplating the idea of cashing in. Drew McIntyre makes an appearance, altering the situation. Damian and Drew exchange forearms, leading to Drew sending Priest into the ringside barrier and then into the ring post.## LOOK WHO JUST SHOWED UP! 👀#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/tJcn0JFScK— WWE (@WWE) January 16, 2024 ## Meanwhile, as the referee is distracted by individuals not involved in the match, Jinder delivers a low blow to Seth. Jinder then hits a double knee gutbuster for a near fall. Veer and Sanga get on the apron, but the referee sends them to the back. Seth punches Jinder, and the referee removes the chair from the ring. Veer strikes Seth with the briefcase, and Jinder attempts Khallas. However, Seth counters with a snap mare and follows up with Black Out for the three count. ## 😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/GpayaxBs8a— WWE (@WWE) January 16, 2024 ## WINNER: Seth Rollins ##

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Jinder Mahal and Tony Khan are two of the top trends in the United States following their exchange.## On Tuesday evening, Tony Khan responded to the USA Network account, which referred to Cagematch when discussing a previous match between Seth Rollins and Jinder Mahal, setting up an upcoming bout.## Khan pointed out that Mahal hasn't won a match in a year but is getting a WWE World Heavyweight Title match against Rollins. Khan questioned why fans didn't express the same level of enthusiasm for Mahal's title shot as they did when HOOK called out AEW World Champion Samoa Joe. ## Mahal responded to Khan's comments, but the tweet has been deleted. Nonetheless, you can find the response below. ## Who tf is Hook?## WATCH MONDAY NIGHT RAW ON @USANETWORK MONDAY 8PM EST!!! https://t.co/Zg2S6XJFGj ## — The Maharaja (@JinderMahal) January 9, 202 ## Below check out the reaction from fans; ## Jinder Mahal seeing everyone hype him up now that TK went after him: pic.twitter.com/7lWzWuTShH— Adam Gibson (@AdamGibson112) January 9, 2024 ## AEW Dynamite: 801,000AEW Collision: 402,000AEW Rampage: 406,000 TOTAL : 1,609,000Jinder Mahal's segment on last week's RAW: 2,154,000 pic.twitter.com/pCm3ATPeou— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) January 9, 2024 ## “Jinder Mahal appreciation tweet!”“Jinder’s WWE title run was actually underrated”“I’ve actually ALWAYS been a huge Jinder fan”“Don’t hinder Jinder TK!!!!!!” pic.twitter.com/VVozkPJHdk— 🅰️🅾️ (@KXNGAO) January 10, 2024 ## *tony khan, jinder mahal, eric bischoff, wwe and aew fans fighting on the internet*bryan danielson and jon moxley in japan:pic.twitter.com/XWZlIHZZFe— gabi com u (@gabu_moon) January 10, 2024 ## WWE Fans are pretending that Jinder Mahal is a good wrestler just to prove Tiny Con wrong pic.twitter.com/7wEoD1GvlA— . (@TripleFraud) January 9, 2024 ## Tony Khan has no idea how much he has just helped WWE & Jinder Mahal with just a couple of tweets. Another unforced error.— The YEAH! Revolution (@YEAHRevolution_) January 9, 2024 ## Somehow Tony Khan promoted Seth Rollins vs Jinder Mahal more than Samoa Joe vs Hook 😭— Conman167 (@conman167) January 9, 2024 ## -Had a segment with The Rock-Has a World Title match with Seth next week on RAW-Cooked the Boss of AEWJinder Mahal is having a generational 2024😭 pic.twitter.com/GBCK9ARW5q— 👑King MJ👑 (@theyfw_ExConDom) January 9, 2024 ## AEW Creative: "So how should we promote Samoa Joe vs HOOK?" Tony Khan: "Let's take a shot at WWE for booking Jinder Mahal in a world title match and promote the match off of that."AEW Creative: "Shouldn't the focus be more on the product?" Tony Khan: "Already tweeted." pic.twitter.com/PZ1vc63eXW— Just Alyx (@JustAlyxCentral) January 10, 2024 ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...

BY SACNILK

Bray Wyatt is back to in-ring action at WWE's live event in MSG as he wrestled Jinder Mahal. ## Jinder Mahal cut a promo saying he was upset he was disrespected he wasn't in the ladder match later for the Intercontinental title. He challenged anyone to face him. Out came Bray Wyatt to a huge pop. Crowd chanted "This is awesome" chant at the bell. ## Mahal had both knees taped up. They battled on floor and Bray was cut off returning to ring. He quickly made a comeback and scored the pin with Sister Abigail. ## at the #WWEMSG @Windham6 def. @JinderMahal in bray’s first match back in WWE pic.twitter.com/5v9LT8AyBr— francesca. (@bankssmorgan) December 27, 2022 ## Winner: Bray Wyatt via pinfall ## To stay updated with all the latest combat sports news, add Sacnilk.com to your Google News feeds and follow us on Twitter.

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Hit Row is the hottest new faction on SmackDown right now. ## Last night on SmacKDown, they staked their claim in the squared circle when Hit Row’s Isaiah "Swerve" Scott & Top Dolla debuted with a victory over Dustin Lawyer & Daniel Williams. ## Per Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, Jinder & Shanky were listed internally as Hit Row's opponents, which obviously didn't end up being the case. ## The reports are still to be out on why WWE changed from Mahal and Shanky. ## To stay updated with all the latest wrestling news, add Sacnilk.com to your Google News feeds and follow us on Twitter. ##

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Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal to be a Singles match whereby Veer and Shanky are banned from ringside. ## The deep-seated rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal is set to boil over at SummerSlam. ## Check Out The Highlights From The Match ## .@DMcIntyreWWE is tossing @JinderMahal all over the ring at #SummerSlam! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/ckgdW9s4Pu— WWE (@WWE) August 22, 2021 ## Consider @JinderMahal LAUNCHED.#SummerSlam @DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/xUd11TRXGs— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) August 22, 2021 ## Winner: Drew McIntyre via pinfall ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk.