22 May,2017 03:03 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
Indo-Canadian WWE superstar Jinder Mahal, who won his first title at Backlash, was interviewed a while later. Here's an account of the conversation that took place.
Jinder Mahal. Pic Courtesy/ WWE
In WWE's pay-per-view Backlash, Jinder Mahal defeated Randy Orton in a thrilling main event to become the new WWE Champion.
Indo-Canadian WWE superstar Jinder Mahal, who won his first title, was interviewed a while later. Here's an account of the conversation that took place.
How do feel as the new WWE Champion?
This is honestly the best day of my life, I feel very proud to be representing India in the WWE Universe. I am happy to bring the title back home. I hope to continue to defend this title and make everybody proud.
Describe the moment when your dream came true and you won the WWE championship.
The moment hasn't quite set in and the adrenaline is still pumping. Tonight, when I am alone, I can start reflecting on my journey. of how i started in wrestling and all the road bumps and steps I took to get here. It is a very emotional moment. This is 15 years of my hardwork and dedication and my childhood dream has finaly come true.
What does this mean to your fans in India and how has it been to have their support?
There has not been an Indian WWE champion since The Great Khali. Hopefully as champion there will be more fan support and I want to thank the ones that already do. Without their support I would not be able to get to this level. Keep on supporting.
As mentioned, there has not been an Indian WWE Champion sicne 2007. What can fans in India and around the world look forward to with you as new WWE Champion?
Just like Great Khali, I want to make everybody proud. I want to represent India in a good way. I just defeated Randy Orton, who is legendary in the business. I want to beat guys like John Cena and more legends and establish my name as a top name in all time wrestling.
Do you have a message for the fans in India?
Bahut bahut shukriya. Aapne bahut jyaada support kiya hai humari and Singh brothers ki aur issi tarah karte raho support. Main bahut proud hoon aap sabko represent kar raha hoon. Keep on supporting and thank you.
Thank you so much for all your great support towards me and Singh Brothers. Keep supporting me ahead. I am proud that I am representing you.
How has been your experience working with Randy Orton?
Working with his has been great. He is a legend in the business.
What was it like being pushed to the main event in WWE?
When I joined in 2011, I was on SmackDown so I feel like home. RAW is a great show, but for me SmackDown Live has better opportunities.
How is it working with the Bollywood boys, now Singh Brothers?
They are great. I have known then for a long time, wrestling in Canada. Its good that I have somebody in my corner watching my back.
Growing up, who has been your biggest influences in WWE?
It would have to be Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Owen Hart, Undertaker, The Rock, Mick Foley and Stone Cold Steve Austin. My favourite match is the Iron-Man match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania. Also Ricky Steamboat vs Macho man Randy Savage at WrestleMania III.
