Jinder Mahal loved working with The Rock.
Ahead of the Day 1 edition of Monday Night Raw, it was reported that a former WWE Champion would be making a surprise return on the show. Triple H confirmed this speculation on social media, and fans in attendance were shocked and somewhat underwhelmed when Jinder Mahal made his grand entrance into the arena.
However, after Mahal disparaged the crowd and tricked them into booing the United States national anthem as he recited in Punjabi, the Modern Day Maharaja was interrupted by none other than Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who received a huge ovation from the crowd.
Rock ran down Jinder Mahal and called him an a**hole, singing about the star’s balls to the tune of the Star Spangled Banner. He also got physical, delivering a People’s Elbow to his fellow former champion before getting back on the microphone and asking whether he should sit at the Head of the Table.
Speaking in a new interview with The Gorilla Position, Mahal opened up about working with The Great One and when he found out the segment was to take place.
“I didn’t pitch it. I went home for Christmas. When I landed back in Tampa, I got a call from one of the writers, ‘I think you’ve probably seen on social media, we announced a WWE Champion will return.’ Yeah, it’s me, but….I knew a big kicker was coming. ‘There’s going to be a big switch, you’re actually with The Rock. Don’t tell anybody.’ I found out a few days earlier.
“What an awesome moment. I was super excited. The Rock is one of the most amazing performers of all time. Super giving. Super easy. That was the most relaxed I’ve been in a promo. He’s an absolute pro.”
Continuing, Mahal revealed that he’s been working with an acting coach and he was pleased with the opportunities that arose following his return.
“In the meantime, I’ve been working with an acting coach. That was a different side of me I got to show and I got a lot of positive comments and a very positive response overall in my performance. Followed it up with a promo against Seth Rollins. Had a title match. All in all, was a great start to the year. I wasn’t planning on it, but luckily, I stay ready year-round. That’s WWE, anything can happen at anytime. Just like when I became WWE Champion out of nowhere.”
“I Believe It’s Only Going To Make Us Bigger”: Jinder Mahal On The Rock’s Return To WWE
When asked what it was like to work with The Rock, Jinder Mahal was full of praise.
“Unbelievable. Obviously, he’s now a board member, so he brings a different side of entertainment to WWE. I believe it’s only going to make us bigger. Coincides with Raw moving to Netflix next year.
“It’s an amazing time. An amazing time for the company. We’re exploring uncharted territory in terms of growth. All of us performers in the locker room are super excited.
“Dwayne is a very giving performer. Based off my experience, he’s always been super helpful. Anytime he’s there on Raw or SmackDown, he hangs out after. He’s super approachable, he gets along with everybody. Overall, it’s a positive thing.”
During the same interview, Jinder Mahal looked back on the Tony Khan tirade.
h/t Fightful