WWE News: Jinder Mahal on crying during match with AJ Styles, who he wants to see in WWE Hall of Fame, more
What’s the story?
In a recent interview with The Independent, Jinder Mahal opened up on a myriad of topics.
Mahal recalled getting emotional during his WWE Championship loss to AJ Styles. The Modern Day Maharajah also revealed who he’d like to see inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame; as well as the importance of being able to perform as a WWE Superstar.
In case you didn’t know…
Jinder Mahal competed in the WWE from 2010-14, following which he spent a couple of years on the indie professional wrestling circuit.
Mahal returned to the WWE in 2016 and went on to capture the WWE Championship in 2017— holding the title for several months last year until he lost it to AJ Styles on the November 7th, 2017 edition of SmackDown Live which took place at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.
The heart of the matter
Jinder Mahal recalled that the aforementioned match was the first time that the WWE Championship changed hands overseas, and it was probably one of the best matches he ever had. Mahal added that although he lost, he felt like a winner that night, as the energy in the arena was amazing and AJ Styles is truly phenomenal and possibly the number-1 WWE Superstar in terms of fan-reaction today. He stated—
"Everyone that night was genuinely so happy for him, so it was a little bit bittersweet for me. I was laying on my back on the mat with my eyes closed, listening to the reaction of the crowd and a couple of tears fell in the ring, of happiness as everyone was so pleased for him. It was a very cool moment and it was a moment I'll never forget."
Additionally, Mahal revealed that he’d love to see ‘The British Bulldog’ Davey Boy Smith inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame; pointing out the latter’s accomplishments right from tagging with The Dynamite Kid to breaking out as a singles performer. Mahal recalled Smith’s classic matchup with Bret Hart at SummerSlam and emphasized that it’s not a question of if but when Smith gets inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Furthermore, Mahal elucidated that he’s blessed to be a WWE Superstar and after getting released in 2014, he’s happy to have worked his way back to the WWE. Mahal continued that most of the time performers take it for granted that they’re indeed WWE Superstars—something that most people in the world could only dream of being—and he believes that every day is a blessing & an opportunity, and one needs to take advantage of that.
What’s next?
Jinder Mahal has lately insinuated that his current goal is to dethrone Bobby Roode as the WWE United States Champion.
Mahal, who performs on the WWE’s SmackDown brand, is yet to be booked for the upcoming Fastlane PPV card—with the event taking place on March 11th.
Author’s take
Jinder Mahal is perhaps one of the most humble, hard-working WWE Superstars today.
Here’s hoping Mahal wins the US title this year.