Backstage Update On WWE's Jinder Mahal, World Heavyweight Title Plans

Was WWE seriously considering giving Jinder Mahal the World Heavyweight Title?!

Jinder Mahal
WWE

Jinder Mahal wrestled Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship on this week's WWE Raw, but the company never seriously considered a title change.

Fightful Select states that no consideration was given to the idea of Mahal defeating Rollins for the belt - and the same goes for Damian Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.

Mahal vs. Rollins ran for around 13 minutes. Indus Sher were ringside for much of the runtime, perhaps giving Jinder an avenue to a distraction-based victory, though the duo were thrown out before the finish. Earlier in the bout, Priest had teased a cash-in before brawling up the ramp with Drew McIntyre.

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If that sounds like a lot of smoke and mirrors, it was - and there's a reason for that.

Dave Meltzer reports on Wrestling Observer Radio that WWE didn't trust Mahal to work a traditional wrestling match, hence the constant interferences, the McIntyre/Priest brawl, and other distractions.

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Rollins has been linked to a feud with CM Punk since 'The Voice of the Voiceless' sensationally returned to WWE at Survivor Series 2023. Currently, Seth is being evaluated for a suspected knee injury suffered on Raw.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.