NXT UK: Rohan Raja reveals how WWE’s Jinder Mahal helped him ‘through really hard times’

WWE superstar Rohan Raja has revealed how big a role Jinder Mahal has played in his career.

The newest NXT UK wrestler – who made his debut against Teoman at the beginning of last night’s episode on the WWE Network – brings with him influences from all over the world.

He was born in Surrey, moved to Australia, then travelled to Canada to learn under the tutelage of Lance Storm before making the jump to Liverpool to join WWE’s UK-based brand.

Raja is also deeply proud of his Indian heritage, and he has opened up on the influence of his fellow Punjabi star Jinder.

He exclusively told Metro.co.uk: ‘I met him just as I was finishing training and he’s been a really good mentor to me, the whole time.

‘He’s helped me through – he’s not the type that likes to have nice things said about him, he just does it without people knowing.

‘He’s helped me through really hard times I’ve been through, and he’s helped me stay on the right track.’

Raja revealed how the former world champion offered him tips earlier in his career, and helped him get in the best position possible when it came to joining WWE.

He added: ‘He’s helped me prepare, “This is what happens when you come to WWE, this is what you should do, this is what you shouldn’t do”. I feel like having him there is just as important.

‘Over my career I’ve met so many people that have helped me. It’s hard as well, but it’s made the whole journey a lot smoother.’

Naturally, Lance has been another big influence, right from the get-go when he picked him up from the airport.

‘This is funny, the only person I knew in Canada was the person who picked me up from the airport, and that was Lance,’ Raja said, reflecting on the big move to train at the Storm Wrestling Academy, when he made the most of turning up early for each session.

‘Having that 30 minutes – sometimes 40 minutes – of me and him talking, I feel like we built a nice student, teacher relationship,’ he said. ‘And then after I started wrestling and all the milestones I’ve been going through, he’s been so supportive.’

The rising star grew up a lifelong fan of wrestling thanks to his grandad and dad, but he was still nervous when it came to revealing his desire to pursue a career in the ring.

‘Having an Indian background, I was scared. [laughs] You’re meant to be a doctor or a lawyer or something like that, something cliché,’ he laughed. ‘As soon as I said it, he just paused – he’s been my biggest supporter, and my mum as well. I was just taken aback.

‘If I had to tell people battling the same situation with whatever career they wanna do, it’s just go with it and tell your parents. Generally, they’re gonna be supportive.’

Now, he’s in a position to encourage other people to live their dreams.

He added: ‘When someone like me makes it and breaks through that, it gives kids hope. “If he can do that, I can do that. He looks like me, I’m gonna do that”.

‘I’m so supportive on honouring where you come from, don’t be ashamed of where you come from.’

Raja is focused on the future and making the most of his time in NXT UK, with fresh opponents – Daniel Bryan, Tyler Bate, Pete Dunne and Randy Orton are his dream matches – and a desire to ignite a fire in younger viewers.

He smiled: ‘I just want to make a name for myself and do the best of my ability, and tell great stories, and have great matches wth different opponents that people will be like, “Do you remember that match with Rohan Raja and Tyler Bate?”

‘Matches that they go back and rewatch, like Shawn and ‘Taker at WrestleMania 25. I want that effect on the fans going forward. That’s my main goal, and just rising to the top – that’s what I wanna do.’

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