5 things you didn't know about Jinder Mahal

#4 Mahal's 2014 release was a blessing in disguise

Mahal vs Cabana

Years before he became the WWE Champion, Jinder Mahal was put into a three-man faction, alongside Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre. After spending a significant period of time on the lower-card, Mahal was released by WWE.

For the next two years, Mahal wrestled in the indies. Jinder once stated in his interview with Chris Jericho that he had "hit rock bottom" while being away from WWE. He took it as a chance to prove himself and become better at his craft, which ultimately resulted in WWE calling him back for another stint. This is what Mahal said about his indie days:

The Jinder Mahal you see now is totally different. I think going away was the best thing that happened to me—I re-evaluated myself. I got motivated again, focused and more determined because I knew that the WWE is a place that rewards hard work.