NEWS: Why the Jinder Mahal Push: It's Business

April 19, 2017

NEWS: Why the Jinder Mahal Push: It's Business

NEWS: The WWE Universe was shocked to see Jinder Mahal win a Six Pack Challenge to become the new #1 contender to Randy Orton's WWE Championship. Mahal, who has earned the reputation as a jobber, had not won a SmackDown match since 2012, when he and fellow Three Man Band member, Heath Slater, defeated Zack Ryder and Santino Marella in a tag team match. Mahal's last televised SmackDown match was in 2014, a loss to El Torito. The WWE Universe was dismayed to learn about Mahal's victory and took to social media to express their frustrations, as Mahal was booed loudly post-victory. To be fair, Mahal's push doesn't exactly come out of nowhere. He was featured in the WrestleMania 33 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and given a huge spot against eventual winner Mojo Rawley and NFL star Rob Gronkowski. Mahal's scuffle with Gronkowski received national media attention and elevated his status within the Company. According to sources; however, Mahal's recent push has more to do with business than WWE's sudden recognition of Mahal's wrestling ability. WWE is desperate to tap into the huge wrestling market in India and see Mahal as the face of those efforts. They have recently hired Sheetesh Srivastava as Vice President and General Manager of WWE India. Srivastava, who has 18 years of executive experience, recently stated the following,

"India is key to the global growth of WWE, and we are confident Sheetesh will successfully help develop our brand and business in this critically important country. WWE is committed to expanding its presence in India, and we are pleased to welcome Sheetesh to further our efforts in the market.”

The Canadia born Mahal, nee Yuvraj Singh Desi, is of Punjabi Indian descent and is seen as an integral component of WWE's Indian outreach. Mahal's push isn't seen as a small inconsequential event to fill a little regarded Pay-Per-View; but, as a centerpiece to WWE's future business dealings. Look for that push to continue as Mahal is now seriously being considered WWE Championship material.