Yuvraj Dhesi, better known by his WWE ring name Jinder Mahal, has had an incredible journey in the world of professional wrestling. From his early days on the independent circuit to becoming WWE Champion, Yuvraj’s story is one of resilience and transformation. More recently, he has returned to the independent scene, wrestling under his real name, Raj Dhesi, and continuing to make waves across various promotions.
Early Life and Background
Yuvraj Singh Dhesi was born on July 19, 1986, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, into a Punjabi Sikh family. His uncle, Gama Singh, was a notable wrestling villain in the original Stampede Wrestling. Inspired by his uncle’s legacy, Dhesi was drawn to the squared circle from an early age.
Growing up in Canada, Yuvraj Dhesi was deeply connected to his Indian heritage. Fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, he was able to blend his cultural background into his wrestling persona.
Education and Early Wrestling Training
Before committing fully to wrestling, Dhesi attended the University of Calgary, earning a business degree in communications and culture. While balancing his studies, he pursued wrestling training at the Martial Arts Fitness Center in Calgary under Rick Bognar. He also trained with Allen Coage and Gerry Morrow, further refining his skills.
Yuvraj Dhesi’s career officially began in Premier Martial Arts Wrestling (PMW) under the name “Raj Dhesi.” He later wrestled as “Tiger Raj Singh” in Stampede Wrestling, where he teamed with his cousin Gama Singh Jr. as part of The New Karachi Vice and Sikh & Destroy. His early career saw him winning the PWA Heavyweight Championship and competing in Great North Wrestling (GNW), where he feuded with notable names like Hannibal and Samoa Joe.
Yuvraj Dhesi’s Career: WWE and Beyond
WWE Debut and Early Struggles (2010–2014)
Dhesi signed with WWE in 2010, and made his main roster debut in 2011. Initially presented as a villainous character aligned with The Great Khali, he struggled to make a significant impact. In 2012, he formed the comedic stable 3MB alongside Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre. Despite entertaining moments, the group was largely used as enhancement talent. In 2014, Mahal and McIntyre were released from WWE.
Reinvention and WWE Championship Reign (2016–2018)
Following his release, Yuvraj Dhesi hit the independent circuit, improving his skills and transforming his physique. His hard work paid off when WWE re-signed him in 2016. Upon his return, he adopted a more serious and dominant persona. In 2017, Mahal shocked the wrestling world by defeating Randy Orton at Backlash to become the 50th WWE Champion and the first of Indian descent. He held the title for 170 days, bringing WWE to new markets, including India.
Mahal later won the WWE United States Championship in 2018, and also had two reigns as WWE 24/7 Champion.
Independent Circuit and Recent Success (2024–Present)
After leaving WWE again, Dhesi returned to the independent scene, wrestling under his real name, Raj Dhesi. He has competed in promotions such as Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), and International Wrestling Association Puerto Rico (IWA Puerto Rico). Currently, he holds the AAA World Tag Team Championship alongside Satnam Singh.
