Jinder Mahal Reflects on Creative Limitations and Vince McMahon’s Guidance During WWE Run
Raj Dhesi, known to wrestling fans as Jinder Mahal, has opened up about the creative constraints he placed on himself during his time with WWE and the influence of Vince McMahon’s advice on his in-ring style. In a recent Instagram Q&A session with his wife, Priya Patel, Mahal identified a lack of stylistic evolution as his biggest regret during his WWE tenure.
Regret Over Stifled Creativity
Mahal admitted to “boxing himself in” creatively, focusing heavily on building comebacks for his opponents rather than exploring new facets of his own character and wrestling style. “I boxed myself in too much. My wrestling style, in my character, I didn’t like once in a while pull out something new,” he explained. “My goal was always build a comeback for the babyface, more excitement for the babyface. And in doing so I kinda hurt myself in a way.”
He revealed that this approach was, in part, guided by McMahon’s direction. “That was actually what Vince (McMahon) wanted me to wrestle like – just work holds. I should’ve evolved that into something else,” Mahal stated. He now believes he should have expanded beyond the basic wrestling holds McMahon initially suggested.
Finding Freedom on the Independent Circuit
Mahal contrasted his current experience on the independent wrestling scene with his time in WWE, noting the greater freedom to experiment and showcase a more versatile persona. “But now that I’m actually like on the independents, I’m away from WWE. I show a different side of myself. I can finally be a babyface and try different things. And just really have fun,” he said.
Since his release from WWE in 2024, Mahal has competed in promotions such as Game Changer Wrestling, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, and made his debut in India for Wrestling Xtreme Mania in 2025.
WWE Championship and Career Trajectory
Mahal’s second run in WWE, beginning in 2016, culminated in a WWE Championship victory in 2017. Despite this achievement, he was released again seven years later. He has remained active in the wrestling world since his departure, seeking opportunities to refine his skills and explore new creative avenues.