"Just like Brock" - Former WWE star reveals canceled plans for major Roman Reigns match
A former WWE Champion was supposed to face Roman Reigns in a big-time match, but the plans were scrapped. Raj Dhesi, formerly known as Jinder Mahal, recently revealed that there were talks about a potential Punjabi Prison Match between him and The Tribal Chief.
Mahal became a household name during his second stint with WWE, winning the WWE Championship at Backlash 2017 by defeating Randy Orton. He held the title for almost six months before losing it to AJ Styles. He then feuded with a lot of top stars, including Reigns, the following year.
In an interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, The Modern Day Maharaja confirmed that there were plans for him to face Reigns in a Punjabi Prison Match at Extreme Rules 2018. However, it was scrapped and they competed in a singles bout at Money in the Bank a month before Extreme Rules.
"Actually, I was supposed to possibly have one with Roman Reigns at Extreme Rules. I think we just had a regular straight-up match and it was in Chicago, too. There was talk of the Punjabi Prison Match coming back. Me and Roman in the Punjabi Prison," Mahal said. [H/T: chrisvanvliet.com]
Chris Van Vliet then asked him whether Reigns turned down the proposed match. Mahal replied:
"Yeah, just like Brock [laughs]."
It was a short-lived feud between Jinder Mahal and Roman Reigns. A babyface Reigns feuded with heels such as Samoa Joe, Bobby Lashley, and Braun Strowman following his rivalry with Mahal.
Roman Reigns is expected to return soon
Since losing the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40, Roman Reigns has been away from television. Meanwhile, Solo Sikoa has taken over The Bloodline, excommunicating Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman. Sikoa has also recruited Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu as the group's new members.
According to PWInsider Elite, The Head of the Table is expected to return soon before SummerSlam on an episode of SmackDown. It may reportedly be on either July 19 or 26. He will likely confront his former enforcer and his band of savages.
With SummerSlam just around the corner, Reigns returning could mean a potential match against Solo at the premium live event in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 3. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.