What to Expect on the September 5th Episode of SmackDown Live
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Tag: Randy Orton
Jinder Mahal Possibly Not Defending the WWE Title at SummerSlam
As seen at Sunday’s WWE Battleground event, The Great Khali returned to the company and helped assist Jinder Mahal retain his WWE Championship Title against Randy Orton in a Punjabi Prison match.
Bryan Alvarez mentioned on today’s installment of Wrestling Observer Live that the company could be moving towards a tag match between The Great Khali and Randy Orton at this year’s SummerSlam. It was noted earlier today that Khali was brought back to the company to help get Jinder over. If a tag match at SummerSlam is the plan, that would mean that Jinder would be teaming with Khali at the event. This would also mean that the WWE Championship title will not be defended on the card.
We should have a clearer understand after Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown Live in the direction the company is going. The original plan was for Mahal to defend the WWE Championship against John Cena but those plans could now be off the table.
Jinder Mahal Reacts to The Great Khali’s WWE Return
After his victory against Randy Orton at Sunday’s WWE Battleground event, WWE Champion Jinder Mahal spoke with Indian Express and talked about The Great Khali’s return to WWE.
“Not only on SmackDown live but also on the entire WWE, I run the show and call the shots. With the Great Khali behind me, I am truly unstoppable. I have a great relationship with Khali, he is like my older brother. As Indians, we stick together. He was the first person I contacted after announcing the Punjabi Prison Match. We are in contact all the time and he is one of my role models and I want to follow his footsteps. He has helped put India on the map of WWE and I hope he is happy with my performance at Battleground.”
As previously noted, WWE decided to bring Khali in to help give Jinder a rub. The feeling right now is that Jinder isn’t very popular in India, despite being WWE Champion. The belief is that aligning Jinder with Khali will help him in the long run in-terms of popularity in India.
Former WWE Superstar Returning at Tonight’s WWE Battleground Event?
There is a rumor going around that former WWE Superstar The Great Khali is backstage in Philadelphia for tonight’s WWE Battleground event.
While Khali has not been confirmed to appear on camera tonight, it’s been speculated that he may appear in the main event match of Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship given his connection with the Punjabi Prison match. One of our readers also sent word that Khali posted photos of himself at the airport and on an airplane earlier this morning.
Khali last appeared for WWE on the October 31st, 2014 episode of SmackDown in a losing effort to Rusev. Khali left the company once his contract expired on November 13th, 2014th.
You can check out our full on-going coverage of tonight’s show at this link and also you can join us for our LIVE fan discussion on Ringsidetalk.net!
Jinder Mahal Reveals He Was Shy Talking In Front of People
WWE Champion Jinder Mahal recently had an interview with NBC News, where he talked about his personal life, how he was shy talking in front of people and how he was made fun of for wearing a turban when he was young. Mahal told NBC how he prepared himself by training, gave attention to his diet, to get ready for the opportunity.
“I’m very down to earth, quiet. I’m kind of a homebody. I have a little dog. She keeps me company,” Mahal told NBC. “I just like to train and diet and get my rest so my body can recover so I can wrestle.”
“It’s an entertainment industry, and I know you have to turn up the volume, which I’m now comfortable doing,” he added. ”At first I was very shy to talk into the mic and to talk in front of people.”
Mahal became the 50th WWE Champion by defeating Randy Orton two months ago at Backlash. Soon after becoming the champion, Mahal has gone on to ask the WWE Universe to denounce racism.
“People would always make fun of me,” he said. “But it’s important to always stay true to yourself and not let that get to you.”
“Our fans there are very passionate,” he added. “WWE Universe India is one of our most special places. … I’m very proud of my heritage and hope to make everybody proud.”
Mahal said that he wants to make an impact on the youth. Mahal is a part of WWE’s Be A STAR anti-bullying campaign and Make-A-Wish Foundation. He plans to set up a wrestling school, and help the community.
“I was fortunate enough to have great trainers growing up,” Dhesi said. “I just want to give the youth the same opportunities that I had. I want to pass it forward. Often the kids are neglected and they find themselves getting into trouble.”
You can check out the full article here.
Jinder Mahal Flaunts 50th Day of WWE Championship Reign
The ‘Modern Day Maharaja’ Jinder Mahal on his Instagram, posted the following on his 50th day as the WWE Champion:
“Showing my dominance on the 50th day of being the 50th WWE Champion … Long Reign The Maharaja. #WWE #wwechampionship #ModernDayMaharaja”
A post shared by The Maharaja (@jindermahal) on Jul 11, 2017 at 9:02pm PDT
Jinder Mahal pinned Randy Orton to become the 50th WWE Champion at Backlash on May 21.