The great hope for 1.3 billion in India is actually Canadian
Like most wrestling superstars, the WWE’s newest heavyweight champion isn’t exactly the man he’s portrayed to be on television.
Dubbed the “Modern Day Maharaja,” Jinder Mahal, who is said to carry the hopes and dreams of 1.3 billion people in India on his shoulders, is, in fact, a proud Canadian.
His onscreen persona is a little like a modern-day Iron Sheik, who only seems to win matches with interference from his henchmen. In reality, Mahal is a pleasant, humble and hardworking guy.
“Every day is a blessing in WWE, and I keep reminding myself of that,” he told the Citizen. “That’s my character. I’m very proud of my Indian heritage; I’m very proud of my Canadian heritage, as well, and I think, when the time is right, we’ll show that side, too. But, right now, I’m having fun representing the 1.3 billion people of India.”
The 31-year-old, who shocked the world by capturing the WWE heavyweight title in a match held in May to become the company’s 50th WWE champion, was born and raised in Calgary. He learned the ropes of wrestling under tutors at the iconic Stampede Wrestling organization made famous by the Hart family.
While he’s a proud Calgarian and a graduate of the University of Calgary, Mahal grudgingly admits he doesn’t own a cowboy hat.
“No cowboy boots, either,” he said. “I guess I should go out and purchase those things.”
His unexpected win in May was particularly sweet for Mahal, who was released by WWE in 2014 after it was decided, at the time, the company just couldn’t use him. The release came after Mahal had largely been cast in a supporting role, losing more matches than he won. The whole situation hit the Calgarian hard.
“I had a lot of regrets. I felt like I didn’t give it my all. I said, if I ever get a second chance, I’ll do everything in my power. I’ll give it 110 per cent,” he said, adding he changed everything about his diet and exercise regime and bulked up during his time off. When he came back in late 2016, it was suddenly hard to dismiss the towering 6-5, 238-pound athlete immediately placed in feuds with top talent.
“I’ve taken full advantage of that opportunity. I was working hard to become WWE champion, but now that I am WWE champion, I’m putting in even more work.”
With his title win, Mahal, whose real name is Yuraj “Raj” Singh Dhesi, became the first Canadian to hold the belt in more than 16 years.
Mahal has not yet had a chance to defend his title before a crowd in Calgary. He’s hoping to get that opportunity in the months ahead.
“Calgary prides itself on being a wrestling town. I was very proud to bring the championship back to Calgary,” he said. “It’s a huge deal for not only my family, but Calgary as a city.”