Is Jinder Mahal Only Champion Because WWE Wants to Grow in India?

When Jinder Mahal first became WWE Champion, many fans were skeptical. The Modern Day Maharaja seemed to have sprung from nowhere to snatch one of WWE’s most coveted titles. His sudden rise had fans and media alike asking where this push was coming from. Many believed it was all based on WWE trying to break the 2 million subscriber mark on their WWE Network via a short cut into the India fans base.

They may have been right.

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In an interview with India Today Mahal was asked if he received this opportunity in order to expand WWE’s product in India:

“WWE sees India as a huge opportunity and wants to continue to build its base. Personally, I am hoping being champion will increase the WWE Universe in India because I know that Indian fans are really passionate and I want to be WWE Champion in India.”

Mahal’s quote seems to prove the theory that he’s Champion for the sake of Indian appeal alone.

It’s well documented that India has a population of over 1 billion. For WWE, they lack only a few thousand from reaching a highly brag-able 2 million Network subscriptions. Sticking their needle into the Indian fan base would certainly be the quickest options to break that number. The best way to get in touch with India? Get an Indian champion.

In terms of business, it’s probably a great decision. For wrestling purposes, it’s been OK at best. WWE has used some out of touch psychology to help Mahal’s character. Althgoht the Anti-American heel has a tremendous success rate, it’s out dated and it feels like WWE took the laziest option. We already know the Jinder Mahal is inexperienced, and on that level of expectation, he’s actually doing just fine. But WWE has put him in a tough position by asking him to carry the emotional baton in a feud with an emotionally numbing Randy Orton.

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However, Jinder Mahal has been growing into his role. In his interview with India Today, he spoke of his relationship with Vince Mcmahon and how much creative input he has on his character:

“I do have creative control but also Vince [McMahon] gives advice and ideas and I take them,” Mahal revealed. “Vince has experience and he has made the biggest sports entertainment in the history. He has made WWE into a global phenomenon. I have a good relation with Vince, he trusts me on the microphone, with my matches, which will only increase with time. I personally want to seek Vince’s advice.”