Ex-WWE Star Wins Indy Title In First Match Since Release
A former WWE star has won his first title in over five years.
Jinder Mahal was released by WWE in April 2024 alongside Xyon Quinn, Xia Li, Veer, and Sanga. With his no-compete clause now finished, the Maharaja has wasted no time in making his mark on the independent scene. Now going by his real name of Raj Dhesi, the star made a surprise appearance at GCW So High, attacking Effy.
The move kicked off Dhesi’s ‘Unhindered’ tour which will see him compete for the likes of AAA, Northeast Wrestling, and GCW. First off, though, was Chicago’s Black Label Pro, where the former WWE Champion took on Dominic Garrini in the main event of ‘Old Habits Die Screaming’. The show ended with Dhesi standing victorious over his opponent as the new BLP Heavyweight Champion.
The win marks Dhesi’s first gold since two short runs with the WWE 24/7 Championship back in June 2019. Before that, he had an eight-day reign as the United States Champion in April 2018. The star won the title in a Fatal Four-Way bout at WrestleMania 34, only to lose it to Jeff Hardy little over a week later.
The Maharaja Jinder Mahal defeats Dominic Garrini to win the BLP Championship at #BLPOldHabitspic.twitter.com/kqcWlhaQWI
— Pro Wrestling & MMA News (@PWMMANews) July 27, 2024
Jinder Mahal Denies WWE Dropped The Ball With Him
Despite some fans thinking the company dropped the ball with him, Jinder Mahal says he had a great career in WWE. The star explained that he was a WWE Champion and won United States gold at WrestleMania, all while making a great living in the promotion that has set him up for life.