Jinder Mahal Comments On His Greatest Influence

As WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal may be the face of the New Era on SmackDown Live. The Modern Day Maharaja has taken the wrestling world by storm in the last few months, but during a recent interview with Sunday Guardian Live, Mahal revealed which 80s WWE superstar helped him become the man he is today.

"The greatest influence on my life, I would say would be my original trainer, Bad News Brown. He taught me so much, not only in wrestling but taught me so much in real life—what it is to be a man, taking care of your family, and that life outside the ring is also very important. He taught me that."

The WWE great passed away after a heart attack in 2007. Brown left the WWE in 1990 after he claimed Vince McMahon failed to live up to his promise of making him the company's first black WWE Champion. After working independent promotions for nearly a decade, he would retire and begin training wrestlers in Canada where he lived with his wife. This is where he met and trained Jinder.

Up Next: Attitude Era Star Wants A Shot At Brock Lesnar

Mahal also had high praise for another former WWE star, the first World Champion for India, The Great Khali.

"I feel proud to represent India and first of all, Khali is like my big brother and a good friend. He represented India so well and I want to do the same thing. I want to show that India has world-class athletes who are the best. I surely feel the pressure and I feel this pressure only drives, it will enable me to retain my title."

As for Jinder's current run as champion, he revealed which superstar will be his greatest challenge.

"Right now, I am focusing on my match with Randy Orton as I want to retain my title," said Mahal of his biggest competitor in WWE. "But I think John Cena is my biggest competitor because for a long time, John Cena has been the face of the WWE and he won't give up this title anytime soon. So, it would be challenging."

Jinder also gave advice for any future stars out there hoping to make it to the big stage of the WWE.

More: 5 Worst Members of Great Wrestling Factions

"My advice would be, stay motivated and work hard and don't give up. Because miracles could happen and that big break could be right there in the corner. Stay focused and driven. Take care of your body and stay away from drugs and stuff like that. Respect your body and your coach. And keep working hard and nothing is impossible as long as you are ready to work hard for that."

Mahal is set to face Randy Orton in a Punjabi Prison match at the upcoming Battleground pay per view and a showdown with former champ, John Cena, could be awaiting him at SummerSlam. Tune in tonight on SmackDown Live for all the latest developments.