When Indian Premier League rolled into our lives more than a decade ago, transforming giant stadiums into big party destinations with DJs and cheerleaders, you had to partake in the celebrations to get an essence of the absolute crazy following that ensued. With minutes to go for the WWE Superstar Spectacle, Hyderabad’s GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium (Gachibowli Indoor Stadium) on September 8 reminded me of a packed Eden Gardens during an IPL game, whose roaring belly carries the might of an ocean. Every nook and cranny packed with zealous supporters, ready with slogans for their favourite WWE Superstars and chants on their lips. Most of them had come to see the legendary John Cena, the multi-hyphenate star, a 16-time World Champion and actor. Like they come in hoards to see Shah Rukh Khan blow kisses from his B1 box. And, when Cena ran in, there was an explosion. Of emotions. Of a lifelong dream to hear your hero tell you ‘thank you’!
Electrifying scenes greeted Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Jinder Mahal, Sanga, Veer Mahaan, Drew McIntyre, Matt Riddle, Natalya, Zoey Stark, Shanky, Gunther, Bron Breakker, Odyssey Jones, Rhea Ripley, Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins, Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci too. A lineup that sent Hyderabad into a mad tizzy, WWE style. Drama, action, humour and unhinged fun. The contests spanned more than two-and-a-half hours. The crowd, cutting across age groups, always on its feet. Most of the time, on the chair! Completetly unapologetic, living every moment. Celebrating each punch and grapple.
We get you moments of magic and conversations with the men who made Hyderabad come alive.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre with Raw Tag Team Champion Matt Riddle, in the opening match of the WWE Superstar Spectacle. Drew, the Scottish professional wrestler, with a sword, was such an iconic moment from the evening
Rhea Ripley successfully defended her Women’s World Championship title against Natalya. “What I am liking about India so far are the people. Everyone’s been so warm and welcoming... it’s been a special trip... some of my greatest fans in my career are from India,” Natalya told t2ONLINE, before the match. It was double duty for the Canadian professional wrestler, as she took on Zoey Stark in another match, and beat her
Intercontinental Champion Gunther squashed a seven-footer Shanky
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens took on Indus Sher. In another match Bron Breakker won against Odyssey Jones
World Heavyweight Champion Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins had an infectious energy that was hard not to fall in love with. When he met t2, moments before he paired up with the great John Cena to face off Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci of Imperium, for the finale action, what was billed as the main match of the evening, Seth’s passion was as electrifying as his blue attire. We listened in!
Is this your first time in India?
No, no, I was in Delhi, six-seven years ago, maybe. This is my first time in Hyderabad, but I am no stranger to India.
What do you love about Indian culture?
Oh man, you guys are so outgoing. You guys are always there to shake a hand, take a picture and very excited to have us here as we are excited to be here in India. It’s been a quick ride. Barely been here a day, but it’s been very eventful and we are looking forward to the show tonight. It’s going to be a blast.
Any wishlist?
You know, I just wanted to get out and see a bit of the city, which I was able to do this afternoon. I saw an ancient fortress. It was very beautiful and I went up to the top of that and looked out at the city. Man, that was awesome.
What has wrestling taught you?
I have grown up in the wrestling industry and I have been doing it since I was 18 years old. This is my 20th year now. It has taught me so many life lessons. Hard work, patience, perseverance, humility... if I had to pick just one, it would be humility. We travel the globe so much and see so many different people and cultures and today when I was riding around, looking at the city, I was reminded about how fortunate I am to be here, to be a part of WWE, to be able to entertain people by doing what we do in the ring and to represent a company that I love and the industry that I love. It has given me everything that’s good in my life. I am humbled to the utmost degree by what I am fortunate enough to be able to do.
What are some changes happening around you in WWE?
The culture in our industry has changed vastly over the last decades ever since I have been in WWE, almost 11 years... the roster has turned over. We have gone much more global. We have got stars from all over the world and have been able to travel to all these different places. The crowds have gotten bigger and the business has grown so much in the last decade. It’ll be difficult to pinpoint one specific thing. It’s gotten to a point where you cannot go anywhere without somebody talking about WWE, knowing who you are.... It’s really a special time to be a part of our industry.
The scenes today...
They are going to be singing tonight, that’s for sure. The energy is off the charts. The hotel, around the city... I haven’t been able to walk 30ft without somebody saying ‘hi’ or asking for a photograph. I expect that energy to translate tonight in the main event.
Whose opinion matters to you most?
Probably just my wife (Raw Superstar Becky Lynch)!
You must be missing her...
I miss her so much. I feel bad that she is not going to be here for you guys, but she sends her love and she wants to make sure everybody knows that. We did everything we could to try to get her here, but there was an issue with the airline. At this point, there’s not a lot of people. I have reached a good place. I am in the ring tonight with a mentor of mine. I am teaming up with John Cena, the greatest of all time. He showed me a lot during his time in WWE and as he has transitioned into being one of the biggest movie stars on the planet; I have always wanted to do right by John. If you need somebody, there’s an answer for you, John Cena.
Does your little daughter have an idea about your profession?
No, she doesn’t know. She knows mamma and dadda are working in the ring. She doesn’t fully get it just yet and I like that.
Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins took on Giovanni Vinci of Imperium
What dreams remain to be fulfilled?
Right now, I am really focused on helping the thing grow and helping it the best it can be. We have an incredible talent roster right now. We are merging into a new company within the next week (with UFC) and it’ll be the biggest we’ve ever been in our own industry. WrestleMania has already broken the largest gate and I just keep wanting to do that year after year, set milestones, making sure that our generation leaves a stamp on the industry that people will remember forever.
They may have been living in the US to pursue their WWE dreams, but the Indus Sher trio of WWE Champion, United States Champion and 24/7 Champion Jinder Mahal, and Raw Superstar Veer Mahaan and Sanga, are complete sons of the soil, who miss India and home food.
In an exclusive chat with t2 over breakfast, a day after the WWE Superstar Spectacle, the three sat chatting about WWE, their bonding and more.
The Indus Sher trio of (l-r) Veer Mahaan, Jinder Mahal and Sanga, at the WWE Superstar Spectacle in Hyderabad
How was the experience of performing in Hyderabad?
Jinder Mahal: It was incredible. It’s been five or six years since WWE has last been in India. They wanted WWE back. It was a great night with one of the loudest crowds I have ever performed in front of. We definitely have to come back sooner. I would like WWE to have another tryout in India, recruit the next generation of WWE Superstars and one day even have a performance centre here in India.
You were here in 2017 too. What kind of growth have you seen?
Jinder Mahal: I have definitely seen a lot of growth. The fans were more in tune with the product, and chants and they knew every Superstar.
Sanga: Crowd bahut hi behtareen tha. They really pumped us up and they supported each and every Superstar. They knew each and every Superstar’s entrance music. When Seth Rollins entered, he was in his position for a whole minute, with the audience chanting. This is great for the future too. WWE will understand how well the audience is connecting with wrestling.
Veer Mahaan: It was great. Crazy crowd.
Jinder Mahal: I knew what to expect, but they were wondering what it was going to be like.
Sanga: This was a big challenge for us because Veer and I were performing in front of an Indian audience, in India, for the first time and presenting Indus Sher. Hamare desh ke log aur duniya se bahut alag hai. We connect with emotions. The kind of armours we used resembled the kavach worn by warriors in ancient times and we paired them with dhotis.
How was Indus Sher born?
Jinder Mahal: Obviously the first time I’d seen them when they got signed, I could see the potential. World-class athlete, first ever Indian drafted into Major League baseball (Veer Mahaan), national-level kickboxing champion (Sanga).... I kept track of their development and they were in NXT. I was injured about a little bit of a year ago and had to have a quick knee surgery. Coming out of that I had actually asked Triple H if I can go to NXT and be paired with Indus Sher and together it was our goal to go to Raw or SmackDown. We got drafted into Raw a few months back. They have been together since 2018 and I joined them six to eight months ago.
How different is the process when you are performing as an independent athlete vs as a team?
Jinder Mahal: When you are a solo performer, a lot of what we do is an expression, art. It’s creativity, how I portray myself and how I want to entertain the WWE universe. That’s for everything... from the moves to my outfit. When you are in a group, it’s a collaboration. Veer Mahaan has his vision and Sanga has his vision. So, it’s just bouncing ideas off each other. We also like to keep a little bit of individuality.
How has it been working together?
Veer Mahaan: All three of us, I feel, make one of the most impressive teams that I have witnessed in Raw. It reminds me of back in the day when you watched WWE, massive three guys coming from India... (in) unique attires, and, we coming from the largest, unique culture and traditions that India has to offer. A lot of the guys on the roster have a limit, (but) I feel like we are unlimited. We have so much to show the world to connect with India.
Jinder Mahal: Working with Veer and Sanga has motivated me actually. Just seeing their excitement, energy and passion that they have in a way reignited my passion. Sanga: There are times when Veer and I don’t agree about a move and then we go sit with Jinder paaji. Inke pass tarike hum se zyada hai. This is our biggest plus point that we have someone who has an experience of 15-20 years.
Veer Mahaan: Like Sanga said, having Jinder Mahal on the side, it really helps. When someone has spent so much time in this business and seen so many changes, we only stand to gain from it.Sanga: He knows every single thing about wrestling! He often plans new moves for us.
How did you ensure that they were not intimidated by you?
Jinder Mahal: We are like brothers (laughs). They know my nature. I am easygoing and I know that by making mistakes they are going to learn. I don’t get angry. I still make mistakes. We all learn and we are in this together. It’s a journey. Let’s support and uplift each other and inspire the next generation. We function as one group. They help me like I help them too and they motivate me also.
Do you guys hang out?
Jinder Mahal: I live in Tampa and they live in Orlando. But once in a while, they’ll come and we work out. After the show, we go and eat and discuss another show, what went well and what we need to work on. We are very close.
Sanga: Paaji follows a strict diet. After a match, Veer and I go to an Indian restaurant, which we drag him to. But hats off, he will just have his rice and stick to a fixed menu.
Veer: Par hum aur Sanga Indian khana khilayi deta hai!
How much do you miss India?
Veer Mahaan: I always miss India. I might not be in India, but Bharat bhoomi ki chadar hi odhta hu in America. I visit India once a year. I visit my favourite temple in Vindhyachal (Uttar Pradesh) where I was born. I eat a lot of desi food and spend time with the family.
Jinder Mahal: We have to stay in the US. All our shows are there. It’s been five or six years since I have been here and I forgot all the love and just how great it is to be here. But I am never going to wait this long again.
Veer, what’s the secret to your stunning physique?
Veer Mahaan: I just take care of myself. Stay in a routine. Waking up in the Brahmamuhurta is great. The universe is very quiet and you can focus on anything you want to. The air early in the morning is absolutely amazing. Waking up at that time and taking in the air is really great. That continues to motivate me to wake up in the morning and get everything done early in the morning. I eat my meals on time.
Jinder, what do you think your legacy is?
I want to be remembered as someone who helped the next generation and motivated them. Right now, I am with Indus Sher. I am managing them and motivating them. Giving them my knowledge, experience and guidance. We train and travel together. When I am retired, I will hopefully work backstage in WWE, again with the next generation of talent, our youth, who will one day become champions in WWE.
And what makes a champion?
Jinder Mahal: Through the ups and downs, just stay true to yourself, always believe in yourself and never give up.
Fave Indian food
Veer Mahaan: Paneer and dal.
Sanga: I am a foodie, I love everything. When I am in the north, it has to be parathas. I have grown up on homemade ghee and butter and I miss that in the US. I love South Indian food for breakfast. It’s healthy too. I usually don’t diet, but looking at them (Jinder Mahal and Veer Mahaan), I feel one should pay a little bit of attention. Since I have been here, I have feasted on dosa, idli and medu vada....
Jinder Mahal: My breakfast is usually the same. Egg whites, oatmeal and protein shake. My favourite is aloo paratha. (While in Hyderabad), I had idli and dosa for breakfast. Last two-three days, there has been no diet!