Jinder Mahal Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 22, 2024
Jinder Mahal Then
Yuvraj Singh Dhesi, known professionally as Jinder Mahal, was born on July 19, 1986, in Calgary, Canada.
He is of Indian (Punjabi) Sikh descent, a heritage that has significantly influenced his wrestling persona.
Growing up in a wrestling family, Dhesi was exposed to the sport from an early age.
His uncle, Gama Singh, was a prominent figure in the wrestling world, especially known for his villainous roles in Stampede Wrestling and his international stints in the 1980s.
This familial connection to wrestling laid the foundation for Dhesi’s future career.
He pursued higher education at the University of Calgary, earning a degree in communications and culture, which likely contributed to his promotional skills and understanding of media.
Jinder Mahal Wrestling Career
Dhesi’s professional wrestling career began in the local wrestling scene in Calgary.
He trained at the Martial Arts Fitness Center under Rick Bognar and later with Allen Coage and Gerry Morrow.
His early career saw him competing in various promotions, including Premier Martial Arts Wrestling (PMW) and Stampede Wrestling, where he initially performed under the ring name “Raj Dhesi” before adopting the persona of “Tiger Raj Singh.”
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He achieved notable success in these early years, winning several tag team championships with his cousin Gama Singh Jr. as part of teams like The New Karachi Vice and Sikh & Destroy.
His transition to WWE began when he signed a developmental contract with Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) in February 2010, where he wrestled as Jinder Mahal.
Mahal made his main roster debut on WWE SmackDown in April 2011, initially positioned as a heel.
His early WWE storyline involved a brief alliance with The Great Khali, followed by a series of feuds and matches that helped establish him as a formidable opponent.
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Mahal’s career saw a significant resurgence in 2017 when he returned to WWE with a drastically improved physique and won the WWE Championship, becoming the first wrestler of Indian descent to hold the title.
His reign lasted for approximately six months, marking a high point in his career.
Mahal continued to make an impact in WWE, winning the United States Championship and the 24/7 Championship, and maintaining a presence in major storylines and feuds.
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Jinder Mahal Wrestling Competition
- Premier Martial Arts Wrestling (PMW)
- Stampede Wrestling
- Prairie Wrestling Alliance (PWA)
- Great North Wrestling (GNW)
- Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)
- WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
- Reality of Wrestling (ROW)
- All-Star Wrestling (ASW)
- World Wrestling Council (WWC)
- Qatar Pro Wrestling (QPW)
- Inoki Genome Federation (IGF)
- Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE)
Jinder Mahal Now
As of 2024, Jinder Mahal, whose real name is Yuvraj Singh Dhesi, is 38 years old and remains an active figure in the professional wrestling world.
After a successful run in WWE, where he earned recognition as a former WWE Champion, WWE United States Champion, and two-time WWE 24/7 Champion, Mahal has continued to make a name for himself on the independent circuit.
Performing under his real name, stylized as Raj Dhesi, he has adapted his wrestling persona to fit various promotions.
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Currently, Mahal appears under the ring name “The Maharaja” Raj Dhesi and competes in several notable wrestling organizations.
He is particularly prominent in Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA).
In AAA, Mahal is one-half of the AAA World Tag Team Champions, holding the title alongside Satnam Singh.
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This achievement marks Mahal’s first reign as a tag team champion in this promotion and showcases his continued relevance and success in the wrestling scene.
Additionally, Mahal competes in the International Wrestling Association (IWA) in Puerto Rico, further demonstrating his versatility and global appeal.
His transition from WWE to the independent circuit highlights his enduring appeal and ability to adapt to various wrestling styles and promotions.
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FAQs
Jinder Mahal was released from WWE in 2014 due to a combination of factors, including roster changes and creative decisions.
Jinder Mahal’s primary finisher is the Khallas (formerly known as the Colossal Clutch), a maneuver where he performs a full Nelson slam.
The group 3MB (Three Man Band) in WWE consisted of Jinder Mahal, Heath Slater, and Drew McIntyre.
Jinder Mahal has been part of several groups, including the 3MB and later, a stable with Veer and Shanky under his “Maharaja” persona.
Yes, Jinder Mahal was released from WWE in 2014 but returned in 2016.