Jinder Mahal Says He Found Out The Rock Was Returning Days Before WWE Raw Day One, Praises Rock

Jinder Mahal reflects on working with The Rock. 

WWE touted a big returning WWE Champion for WWE Raw Day One, and then delivered Jinder Mahal to the fans. After a promo by Mahal where he ran down America, he was interrupted by The Rock. The Rock ran down Mahal and eventually laid him out with the People’s Elbow. 

Speaking on The Gorilla Position, Mahal was asked when he found out he was working with Rock. 

“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. 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,” he said. 

Asked what it was like to work with The Rock, Mahal said, “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.”

The Rock made headlines at WWE Raw Day One when he referenced sitting at “the Head of the Table.” 

Mahal faced Seth Rollins on the January 15 episode of WWE Raw. 

If you use any of the quotes above, please credit the original source with a h/t and link back to Fightful for the transcription.