What’s More Forgettable: Jinder Mahal’s Title Reign or His Feuds? Fans Speak Out

When it comes to WWE history, few topics spark as much debate as the title reign of Jinder Mahal. In 2017, Mahal shocked the wrestling world by capturing the WWE Championship—an achievement that seemed improbable at best. While WWE pushed Jinder Mahal as a top star to tap into the lucrative Indian market, fans have remained divided over his legacy.

Now, the big question lingers: What’s more forgettable—Jinder Mahal’s title reign or the feuds that defined it? Let’s dive into this polarizing topic and explore why Mahal’s championship run remains one of the most talked-about—and criticized—periods in recent WWE history.

The Unexpected Rise of Jinder Mahal

Before his shocking title win, Jinder Mahal was largely viewed as a lower-card talent, often relegated to squash matches and forgettable tag-team storylines. But in May 2017, Mahal achieved what many thought was impossible: he defeated Randy Orton to become WWE Champion at the Backlash pay-per-view.

The decision to elevate Mahal was met with immediate backlash (no pun intended). Many fans accused WWE of prioritizing market expansion in India over storytelling and in-ring quality. Mahal’s transformation from a jobber to a main event star felt rushed, leaving fans struggling to buy into his sudden dominance.

Despite these criticisms, WWE invested heavily in Mahal’s title reign, positioning him as a credible champion. But did it work? Let’s take a closer look.

Forgettable Feuds: A Reign That Lacked Impact

One of the key elements of any great championship reign is memorable rivalries. Unfortunately for Jinder Mahal, his feuds during his WWE title run failed to captivate audiences.

Randy Orton Feud: While Mahal’s victory over Orton shocked fans, their subsequent matches were far from memorable. Many criticized the rivalry for being formulaic, relying too heavily on interference from Mahal’s allies, The Singh Brothers, rather than compelling storytelling.

Shinsuke Nakamura Rivalry: When Mahal began feuding with Nakamura, fans hoped for a fresh and exciting program. Instead, they were treated to lackluster matches and uninspired promos. Despite Nakamura’s immense popularity, the feud failed to elevate Mahal or generate any meaningful excitement.

Triple Threat with AJ Styles: Mahal’s feud with AJ Styles could have been a saving grace for his reign, given Styles’ reputation as one of WWE’s top performers. However, the rivalry ended abruptly when Styles dethroned Mahal on an episode of SmackDown, cutting short what could have been a defining chapter in Mahal’s title run.

The common thread in all these feuds was their lack of emotional investment. Fans didn’t believe in Mahal as a dominant champion, and his opponents often seemed like they were phoning it in.

The Verdict: Title Reign or Feuds—Which Was Worse?

When evaluating Jinder Mahal’s title reign, it’s clear that both his reign and his feuds suffered from the same issue: a lack of authenticity.

The Title Reign: Mahal’s 170-day reign as WWE Champion was ambitious but ultimately fell flat. Fans struggled to see Mahal as a legitimate threat, and his matches often relied on outside interference rather than showcasing his abilities in the ring.

The Feuds: While Mahal’s reign lacked credibility, his feuds were even less memorable. A great champion is often defined by the quality of their rivalries—think Austin vs. McMahon or Cena vs. Punk. Mahal’s lackluster feuds failed to leave any lasting impact, making his championship reign feel like a missed opportunity.

So, what’s more forgettable? Most fans would argue that his feuds were the bigger problem. A strong feud can elevate even a mediocre champion, but in Mahal’s case, the lack of compelling rivalries made his reign feel hollow.

Why Fans Still Debate Jinder Mahal’s Legacy

Despite the criticisms, Jinder Mahal’s title reign remains a fascinating case study in WWE history. It’s a reminder of how market strategies can sometimes overshadow storytelling and how a rushed push can hurt both the performer and the product.

Mahal’s reign also sparked discussions about representation in wrestling. For all its flaws, his title win was a groundbreaking moment for fans of Indian descent, showcasing a level of diversity rarely seen in WWE’s main event scene.

Could Mahal’s reign have been better with more time and stronger feuds? Absolutely. But whether you view his title run as a failure or a stepping stone, one thing is certain: Jinder Mahal has left a lasting impression on WWE—whether fans like it or not.

While the debate over Jinder Mahal’s title reign and feuds continues, one question lingers: could he have succeeded with better booking? Fans may never know the answer, but one thing is clear—Mahal’s time as champion remains one of the most polarizing chapters in WWE history.