The rise of the Maharajah in recent weeks will culminate in a WWE Championship title shot against Randy Orton at Backlash in Chicago on Sunday, May 21.
Jinder Mahal recently spoke with Praytay Ghosh of SportsKeeda.com about the big heel push he’s enjoyed on SmackDown Live at the head of a stable which includes the Singh Brothers. Here are highlights of the interview:
The whole of India is behind you ahead of your match WWE Backlash against Randy Orton. How does it feel to be representing India in the WWE?
I’m very proud to be representing India in the WWE. The Indian fans are very passionate about our product, they’re very passionate about the WWE and it makes me proud that I’m representing all of them on such a big scale and I hope I can become WWE Champion and make all of India proud. I just want to thank Indian fans for always supporting me and being very passionate about our product.
You’re billed from Punjab, India even though you were born in Canada. Does it ever feel strange that the Canadian side of your upbringing is not showcased on television?
No, not at all. I’m Punjabi and speak Punjabi fluently and know all the Indian customs and everything. I learned Punjabi before I learned English in spite of the fact that I was born in Canada. So, I don’t feel like that.There are Indians all over the world born in different countries but we all come from the same motherland.
What was it like to move to SmackDown Live and being pushed to the main-event scene almost immediately?
It’s been great. They say SmackDown Live is the land of opportunity and I think I’ve proved that it really is. The move has been great. When I originally debuted in 2011, I was on SmackDown. At the time, they were separate from RAW so I feel at home on SmackDown. It’s good to be back. RAW is also a great show but I feel, for me, SmackDown is a better opportunity and I’ve run with the opportunity so far on the blue brand.
Your physical transformation during your hiatus has been stark. What’s the secret behind your toned body?
The secret is consistency. I literally haven’t had a cheat meal in 3-4 months. I haven’t eaten anything I shouldn’t have. Even now, on the tour, I have my cooling bag with me and I carry 5 meals with me so that I eat every 2 hours. I eat 30/40 grams of carbohydrates, 30/40 grams of proteins with every meal.
Then there’s cardio 6 days a week and weight training 6 days a week. I also became straight-edge. I also do a lot of Olympic compound movements.Then there are lots of basic squats, lots of push-ups and other exercises. Overall, from diet to exercise, I’m seeing good results. I’m going to keep getting in better shape because not only do I look better but I feel better. I feel better inside the ring in terms of stamina and endurance, which is important if I want to become WWE Champion and have long matches every night.
Here is a link to the full interview:
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/interview-jinder-mahals-speaks-about-his-main-event