In the world of professional wrestling, the return of a superstar can send shockwaves through the industry. This was precisely the case when The Rock made his comeback as a regular character on WWE’s Day 1 edition of RAW. The event was further electrified by the reemergence of Jinder Mahal, the Modern Day Maharaja, who had been absent from the ring. Mahal’s return was initially teased as the arrival of a former WWE Champion, which left fans in suspense until his entrance music hit, marking his unexpected comeback.
Jinder Mahal’s appearance was nothing short of dramatic as he delivered a heel promo that garnered significant attention from the audience, setting the perfect stage for The Rock’s grand entrance. The crowd erupted as The Great One appeared, taking down Mahal and kickstarting his latest stint with the Stamford-based promotion. The segment was a strategic move by WWE, creating a memorable moment for fans and participants alike.
During a conversation with Gorilla Position, Mahal shared insights into the behind-the-scenes of the segment with The Rock. Contrary to what some might expect, Mahal revealed that he did not pitch the idea to work with The Rock but was instead informed by a member of the creative team. He described the call he received upon landing back in Tampa after Christmas, where he was told about the planned return of a former WWE Champion. Mahal knew there was more to the story and was eventually clued in on the twist that he would be sharing the screen with The Rock, a detail he was instructed to keep confidential.
For many WWE talents, sharing the screen with The Rock, also known as The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment, could be a nerve-wracking experience. However, Jinder Mahal felt quite the opposite. He expressed his excitement about the creative opportunity and was full of praise for The Rock’s professionalism and humility. Mahal found the experience to be one of the most relaxing moments he’s had while delivering a promo, highlighting The Rock’s supportive and easy-going nature.
Jinder Mahal’s start to 2024 has been explosive, from the high-profile segment with The Rock to challenging Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship. With such a strong beginning, the former WWE Champion is looking to maintain his momentum as WrestleMania XL approaches. His statement on working with The Rock has caught the attention of fans and industry commentators alike, sparking discussions about the impact of such collaborations in the wrestling world.