Raj Dhesi (Jinder Mahal) Details Terms for Potential WWE Return

Raj Dhesi, widely recognized for his time in WWE as Jinder Mahal and a former WWE Champion, has not appeared in a WWE ring for over two years, following his second release from the company. The possibility of a third run with WWE was recently addressed by Dhesi himself. Appearing on "Busted Open Radio" last Friday, Dhesi was asked by host Dave LaGreca what specific conditions would be necessary for him to consider a return to WWE. It has been over two years since Dhesi, also known as former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal, last stepped foot in a WWE ring before receiving his second release.

Dhesi, who is currently semi-retired and wrestles only a couple of times a year, laid out a few scenarios that would make sense for a potential comeback. He emphasized that he is content with his current career situation, even if another full-time run with WWE never materializes. Dhesi stated he is content if another WWE run never materializes.

Conditions for a WWE Return

During his appearance on "Busted Open Radio," Dhesi made it clear that any full-time wrestling commitment would need to be strategically sound for him. He highlighted the need for a well-defined role and a long-term narrative. For Dhesi to return as a full-time wrestler, a long-term story and a clear position would be required.

"So for me to become a full-time wrestler [again], things would have to make sense," Dhesi said. "There would have to be a long-term story, what's my position. Obviously money is an issue too, right? Because I wouldn't come in for a small contract, just for the reason because that means they don't value me, they don't view me as a top superstar, and it's only a matter of time, maybe a year or two or not even, and I get released again. I get released for the third time."

He articulated that a smaller contract would signal a lack of perceived value from WWE, suggesting that such an agreement would likely precede another release. Dhesi believes a small contract would indicate WWE does not value him as a top superstar and would likely lead to a third release within a year or two. This perspective underscores his desire for a significant role and recognition if he were to commit to a demanding full-time schedule again. Money is a factor for Dhesi's return, as he would not accept a small contract.

Current Career Status and Financial Acumen

Beyond the potential for a WWE comeback, Dhesi shared insights into his current contentment and how he has managed his career and finances since his last WWE tenure. He revealed a focused approach to financial planning and investment, which allows him to maintain a semi-retired wrestling schedule. During his last WWE run, Dhesi was diligent with investing, learning about money, and other opportunities. Dhesi currently wrestles only a couple of times a year.

"Honestly, I'm content with everything. I've been very fortunate. This last run, I was very diligent with my investing and learning about money and other opportunities, and where to park money. So now, I just wrestle a couple of times a year."

This diligence has provided him with the flexibility to wrestle only occasionally, suggesting that any return to a full-time wrestling career would need to offer substantial benefits to outweigh his current, comfortable arrangement.

Shifting Perceptions of Age in Wrestling

Dhesi, who is 39 years old, also commented on the evolving perception of age within the professional wrestling industry. He noted that in earlier periods of his career, a wrestler approaching or past 40 was often considered past their prime, a view that has since changed. Dhesi is 39 years old. He noted that a comeback at age 39 would have been frowned upon years ago, but these days it would be normal. Dhesi considers the change in age perception an improvement in the wrestling industry. When Dhesi started, wrestlers approaching or past 40 were considered old. When Dhesi started, WWE was primarily signing wrestlers under 25. The prototypical look for a pro wrestler when Dhesi started was under 25, 6'4, and 220 lbs.

"When I started, that was old. If you were approaching 40, or you were past 40, it was old. And at that time, they were only signing wrestlers that were under 25. At that time it was under 25, 6'4, 220 lbs. It was, like, the prototypical look of a pro wrestler. But things have completely changed, and I'm actually glad to see it."

He recounted that when he first entered the industry, WWE typically sought out younger talent, specifically wrestlers under 25 years old who fit a particular physical mold, often cited as 6'4" and 220 lbs. Dhesi expressed satisfaction with the industry's shift away from these strict criteria, acknowledging that the landscape for wrestler signing and career longevity has significantly improved.