The WWE Universe was shocked when the name of Jinder Mahal appeared on the WWE Releases 2025 list. Once celebrated as the “Modern Day Maharaja” and the first Indian-born WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal’s journey has been full of highs, lows, and reinventions. His sudden release has sparked discussions about his role in WWE, his contributions, and what the future may hold for him.
This article dives into Jinder Mahal’s WWE career, his championship reigns, struggles with booking, and the key reasons behind his release in 2025.
Jinder Mahal’s WWE Career Overview
Early WWE Run (2011–2014)
Jinder Mahal made his main roster debut in 2011. Initially portrayed as a heel character aligned with The Great Khali, Jinder’s early years were marked by mid-card feuds. By 2014, he was released during a wave of budget cuts, but his story with WWE was far from over.
Return and Rise to WWE Champion (2016–2017)
In 2016, Jinder Mahal returned to WWE in the brand split era. After a surprising push in 2017, he defeated Randy Orton to win the WWE Championship, becoming the 50th WWE Champion in history and the first of Indian heritage. His reign lasted over 170 days, giving him recognition worldwide.
Post-Championship Struggles (2018–2020)
After losing the title to AJ Styles, Mahal drifted into mid-card status. He briefly held the WWE United States Championship but struggled to regain the momentum of his 2017 push.
Later Career & The Indus Sher Connection (2021–2024)
Jinder Mahal reinvented himself by mentoring Indus Sher (Veer & Sanga), helping WWE expand its Indian market. He also made sporadic appearances on Raw and SmackDown but was rarely placed in main-event storylines.
Why WWE Released Jinder Mahal in 2025
1. Creative Direction Shift
WWE in 2025 is heavily focused on pushing younger talent like Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, and Trick Williams. With the roster stacked, veterans like Mahal found limited opportunities to shine.
2. Lack of Consistent Storylines
Despite his charisma and promo ability, Jinder Mahal was often left without meaningful feuds. WWE creative rarely capitalized on his potential as a former world champion.
3. Market Strategy Changes
While Mahal was once central to WWE’s expansion in India, by 2025 WWE has signed and developed new Indian talents through NXT and the Performance Center. This reduced his importance as a global ambassador.
4. Injuries and Fitness Challenges
Jinder suffered multiple injuries throughout his career, which slowed down his momentum. Although he returned in good shape, the stop-start pushes hurt his long-term credibility.
5. Annual Budget Cuts
Like Ricochet, Mustafa Ali, and other talents in the WWE Releases 2025, Jinder Mahal’s name was included as part of WWE’s annual budget balancing and restructuring.
Fan Reaction to Jinder Mahal’s Release
Reactions have been mixed. Some fans believe Mahal’s release was long overdue since he had not been featured in significant storylines in years. Others argue that WWE disrespected a former world champion by not giving him a proper farewell storyline.
On social media, hashtags like #ThankYouMaharaja and #WWEReleases2025 trended, with fans remembering his shocking WWE Championship victory in 2017.
What’s Next for Jinder Mahal?
Despite his release, Jinder Mahal’s wrestling career might not be over. Several possibilities lie ahead:
- AEW: Mahal could join AEW and align with international stars like Satnam Singh, creating an Indo-American faction.
- Impact Wrestling (TNA): With Impact often spotlighting former WWE talents, Mahal could easily transition into a main-event role.
- Indian Wrestling Promotions: Mahal’s global name value could help him become an ambassador for Indian wrestling promotions or even return to WWE in a non-wrestling role in the future.
- Hollywood & Bollywood: Given his look, Mahal might explore acting opportunities in films or series.
Jinder Mahal’s Legacy in WWE
Even though his release marks the end of an era, Jinder Mahal leaves behind a strong legacy:
- First Indian WWE Champion in history.
- Held multiple titles: WWE Championship, United States Championship, 24/7 Championship.
- Helped WWE strengthen its connection with the Indian audience.
- Inspired Indian wrestlers to dream big and enter the global stage.
While his run was controversial — with critics questioning the sudden 2017 push — Mahal made history and carved his name in WWE’s global expansion.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Jinder Mahal in WWE Releases 2025 highlights the unpredictable nature of the wrestling business.
Although his final years in WWE were not as impactful, Mahal’s influence on WWE’s global reach, especially in India, cannot be denied. His release might close one chapter, but for the “Modern Day Maharaja,” the future could still hold exciting opportunities beyond WWE.
