WWE: The unlikely rise of Jinder Mahal

Jinder Mahal's success at Backlash has become one of the most talked about incidents in recent WWE history

Jinder Mahal shocked the world when he pinned Randy Orton at Backlash to become WWE Champion.

Depending on your viewpoint he's either a joke character given a push by WWE for commercial gain in India or the personification of making the most of a second chance.

Either way, Mahal's one of the most talked about champions in recent history.

We chart the man known as 'The Maharaja's' time in WWE, we'll let you decide whether he's a deserving champion.

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Jinder Mahal receives custom plates for his newly-won WWE Championship

Early days (2011-12)

Jinder Mahal made his debut in April 2011 after a spell in WWE's developmental promotion and quickly established himself as a heel.

His first rivalry was against India's Great Khali. A huge size mismatch for Mahal, his only successes were via sneak attacks which helped establish him as a stereotypical bad guy.

Mahal's first major rivalry was with India's Great Khali. Unsurprisingly, it didn't end in success

After his battles with Khali became old news, Mahal struggled to make a name for himself on the main roster.

Conflicts with Ted DiBiase, Ryback and Sheamus came and went without making a mark on WWE fans.

3MB (2012-14)

Mahal's first spell in WWE is mainly remembered for his time with faction 3MB alongside Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre.

'Three Man Band' was mainly comic relief for fans, their gimmick was they wanted to be rockstars but couldn't sing or play any instruments.

Mahal was constantly the clown during his stint in 3MB

Unsurprisingly, their win-loss record wasn't great and Mahal was often used as a fall guy to give other superstars a push.

Despite being together for almost two years, the trio never won a title and an alliance with Hornswoggle appeared to be the final straw.

Mahal was cut by WWE in June 2014.

Independent scene (2014-16)

Mahal spent time wrestling in the US, Japan and India while out of full-time employment but insists his time away from WWE benefited him in the long-term.

"It was the best thing that happened to me," Mahal told Times of India.

"I became more mature and responsible and when I came back to WWE I was ready. I was ready to absorb the pressure, I was ready for the spotlight, I was primed for the main event spot."

One of Mahal's last feuds before being cut by WWE was with Kane

Return to WWE (2016-2017)

Mahal turned up on RAW last August demanding a WWE contract after the brand split.

He stabbed former tag partner Heath Slater in the back to get signed up but again struggled to make it onto the flagship weekly show.

Jinder temporarily teamed up with Rusev but the tag team never really excited the fans and Mahal mainly spent time performing on the likes of Main Event or way down the card on RAW.

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Jinder Mahal's most recent brush with international fame was being outsmarted by New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski at Wrestlemania 33

Gronkowski infamy (2017)

Given Mahal's unremarkable few months back in WWE it was a surprise when he got down to the final two in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 33.

He then made headlines around the world by getting into a row with New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski that would see the tight end flatten him in the ring.

Mahal suffered a similar fate two nights later on Smackdown and it appeared he'd established himself as a comic heel again.

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Mahal was quick to insist he deserves the title following his win at Backlash

Shock rise to the top (2017-present)

Given Mahal's two spells in WWE it was a complete shock when he won a six-pack challenge to become No.1 contender for the WWE Championship.

He teamed up with NXT tag team the Singh Brothers to get under the skin of title holder Randy Orton in an attempt to establish himself as a legitimate threat, even costing him the 'house of horrors' match at Payback.

Just four-and-a-half weeks after being put in the title hunt, Mahal surprised the world by winning the title at Backlash on Sunday night.

Fans were stunned, many were angry but you can't argue the title is being talked about more now that is has been for a long time.

The debate

Detractors will point to WWE's increasingly aggressive commercial strategy in India as the main reason for Mahal's shock surge to the top.

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Jinder Mahal threw a lavish Punjabi Celebration in honour of his WWE Championship victory at WWE Backlash

Born and raised in Canada, Mahal has been hammering home his new 'Maharaja' moniker, addressing the fans in Punjabi and points out he's proud to represent India's population of 1.3bn.

Supporters, however, see Jinder as a breath of fresh air following Randy Orton's unremarkable title reign.

It's undeniable the work he put in during his time on the independent circuit and came back with a new, muscly, vein-pumped physique.

India and large parts of Asia have been long under-represented in sports entertainment and you can't argue it deserves a worthy champion.

Whether Mahal is that person is one of the biggest debates WWE has seen in a long time but there's nothing WWE likes more than getting tongues wagging and keyboard warriors typing.

Just look at Roman Reigns.