10 reasons Jinder Mahal is exactly what the WWE needs

When the reigning Smackdown brand champion made his return to the WWE, no one could have predicted how his value would skyrocket so quickly. Jinder Mahal holds the coveted top spot on the Smackdown brand and shows no sign of slowing down.

But nothing breeds contempt quite like success, and there is a very vocal community of WWE fans which believes that Jinder is the wrong choice for such a prominent role with the company.

Here are ten reasons why the critics are wrong about Jinder Mahal.

#10 A promising Physique

Jinder Mahal 2015 and 2017, respectively.

There's no question that the WWE Smackdown Champion is looking ripped these days. While some have questioned whether performance-enhancing drugs were utilized in his transformation, it seems unlikely with the WWE's strict Wellness Policy.

Jinder used diet and a new workout routine focused on getting him into the best shape of his life. No one, not even John Cena or Randy Orton, can lay claim to the title of 'most jacked' as long as Jinder is around.

While dedicated wrestling fans can appreciate an athlete with Kevin Owens' or Beer City Bruiser, the casual observer expects professional wrestlers to be tall, powerful and chiselled in stone. Jinder is all the three.

His marketable look is only one reason he's going to be around WWE for a long time to come, whatsoever.

#9 His experience will count

While many fans are only familiar with Mahal's more recent WWE runs, he has actually been in the business for over fifteen years.

Understandably, one doesn't have such a lengthy run in a physically demanding sport like Pro Wrestling unless one has great dedication and love for the business. With Jinder's looks, he could have made a living a lot of other ways but he chose wrestling as his vocation.

Jinder was trained by the legendary Rick Bognar, learning the ropes in his native Canada. Upon graduation, he worked with future WWE stars as Natalya Neidhart and Viktor of the Ascension, becoming a star in both PMW and Stampede.

His first WWE run ended with less than spectacular results, and most would have given up. But Mahal didn't quit the business and made himself a star all over the world.

At ten years in the wrestling business they call you a veteran, and at twenty years you're a ring general. There's still room on Jinder's sleeve for a few more stripes.

#8 Jinder's charisma advocates for his character

Jinder Mahal is a polarizing figure in the WWE.

It's been said that you can't please everyone every time. While that might be true, it's also a fact that in the world of Professional Wrestling, you don't always want to keep the fans happy. In the 1980s, Jim Crockett Productions could throw virtually anyone at Ric Flair and his championship belt and they would garner instant heat. Even Ronnie Garvin was able to get over huge as a babyface when pitted against the Nature Boy's vile villainy.

The same holds true in the WWE today. Jinder Mahal is the hated villain, while anyone who faces him is likely to get cheers.

That isn't to say Jinder Mahal doesn't have his dedicated haters, as shown in the video below.

Jinder is a very polarizing figure, which is good. What wrestlers fear isn't boos or hatred from the fans, it's the silence of indifference. People are talking about Jinder on social media for good or for ill. For business, it's definitely good.

#7 Carrying the culture

Jinder Mahal proudly displaying his Dastaar, a traditional head wrap.

It's no secret that Professional Wrestling has an ugly history of stereotyping and flat-out racism. For every Junkyard Dog there's an Akeem the African Dream, and at times the 'evil foreigner' gimmick has crossed the line. WWE certainly crossed the line when the debuted Muhammed Hassan shortly after 9/11 in hopes of stirring up heel heat based on his Arabic heritage.

However, there are a lot of differences between Jinder Mahal's on-screen embrace of his Indian heritage and these stereotypes. Jinder is a legitimate follower of Sikhism, and there's certainly nothing wrong with him displaying it as part of his wrestling persona.

Also, Jinder isn't playing his religion as more 'proof' that he is evil. Rather, he uses his background to enhance his character and image. Jinder himself once said as much in a 2010 interview.

"They (the fans) like guys who speak different languages and have different looks." Earlier, Jinder used his Indian heritage to bolster his character and get noticed. It's no different than using his large frame or athletic ability to get over with the fans.

Jinder's Sikhism doesn't make him evil, it just adds colour to his ring persona.

#6 Impressive stints with mic

It takes more than just brawn to be a successful professional wrestler. One also needs the ability to deliver good promos and compelling interview segments. Jinder has both of those skills and then some.

Recently, Jinder drew some heat from the live Smackdown crowd due to some allegedly racist comments directed at Shinsuke Nakamura. Jinder referred to Nakamura as looking like "Pikachu having a seizure" and called him "Mr. Miyagi."

The promo was tasteless by design and was meant to garner heel heat for Jinder. While the debate continues to rage among fans over whether Jinder truly crossed the line, there's no mistaking that for about three minutes on a Tuesday night, no one could take their eyes off of him.

That kind of presence, and ability to hold a live crowd in the palm of one's hand, is a rare gift in Sports Entertainment. Jinder was successful in proving that he can be a compelling force both in the ring and on a microphone--a duality that will propel him to greater heights in the WWE.

You can watch his controversial promo below, and judge for yourself.

#5 A strong style game

Jinder Mahal looks sharp in tailored suits.

So you have good ring skills, can do an interview and a great gimmick. What else is missing? Style. What separates the men from the boys.

It was Nature Boy Ric Flair who changed the 'everyman' perception of pro wrestlers to one of the elite professionals. Inspired by football legend Joe Namath, Flair began to drape himself in fur coats, fine jewellery, and of course, expertly tailored suits.

Not everyone can wear a suit properly. Just seeing this old photo of Galaxy Guardian Dave Bautista should drive that point home.

When Jinder wears a suit, it looks like he was born in it. His confidence and style make him stand out as both champion and a professional athlete.

#4 His wrestling abilities are impressive

Ent — Mahal has the calibre to change the game

A very vocal segment of the wrestling fanbase has referred to Jinder Mahal's ring skills as 'basic,' and that's one of the nicer terms. However, these 'smart' fans--most of whom have never been inside a wrestling ring--don't truly understand the many aspects of what makes wrestling not only compelling entertainment but as safe as possible for all parties involved.

Jinder does not have the move set of Kallisto, but there's no reason why he should perform in the same way as a man literally half his size does. Jinder has a wrestling style described as "US standard worker," meaning he utilizes moves designed for big men.

"the Modern-day Maharaja" has managed to avoid major injuries for most of his career, and--unlike Seth Rollins, who is often praised by the same groups who judge Mahal--hasn't put other athletes on the disabled list, or out and out ended their career. Being overly 'stiff' in the ring has ended the WWE career of many athletes, most notably Ken Kennedy.

By utilizing a ground-based style in the ring, Jinder can assure his own longevity in the business, and protect his opponents from serious injury.

#3 The Singh Brothers and their contribution

A good wrestling stable isn't just about throwing athletes together and making them wear the same shirt. It's a balancing act where, ideally, the wrestler higher on the card will give a little 'rub' to those lower than himself, without damaging his own marketability.

The former Bollywood Boyz--a mildly racist gimmick--have traded up for new personas under the leadership of Jinder Mahal. With one fell stroke, they were able to shed their reputation as a comedy act, and are now taken seriously as both competitors and henchmen.

Sunil and Samir are the perfect stooges for evil mastermind Mahal. They are smaller than him, increasing his physical presence when they appear together. Also, their in-ring style is faster and more acrobatic, lending variety to their stable. Most importantly, they can 'take the hit' for Jinder and lose to future/past opponents of his. This allows Jinder's opponent to build momentum for their match without hurting Jinder's credibility.

While some might criticize the WWE for again putting together an ethnic-based stable, there's no question that the union of Jinder and the Singhs has been a benefit to all involved.

#2 The Khallas to finish his opponents

Jinder Mahal performing his finisher, the Khallas. — Jinder Mahal performing his finisher, the Khallas

From the Stone Cold Stunner to the Tombstone Piledriver, a wrestler's finishing move is intrinsically linked to who they are as a character.

Jinder Mahal began using a new finisher at roughly the same time he began his title run. Beginning as Cobra Clutch, Jinder lifts his opponent into the air and twists, slamming them down hard onto the mat. Similar to a full nelson slam but with more visual impact, the Khallas has served Jinder well.

Jinder also chose his new finisher well. With his size and physique, the move looks convincing. Also, it is a move he will be able to perform on an opponent of almost any size, and is simple enough to execute that botches will be rare.

Khallas means 'the end' in Punjabi, and it often spells just that for his opponents.

#1 Vince McMahon's boy!

Vince never minces his words, or his opinions. — Vince never minces his words or his opinions.

While Triple H may be the 'heir apparent' to the WWE empire, the 72-year-old Vincent Kennedy McMahon is still the one ultimately calling the shots. Though he stepped back from his own role in the company--most notably not appearing as much on television as he feels he is 'too old' -- the WWE is still his sandbox, and he holds the shovel and pail.

Vince doesn't always make the best decisions about who should get the 'push' to the top of the card, but he doesn't always make bad decisions, either. For every Ryback, there's a Dwayne Johnson, who Vince refused to give up on even after the future Rock was rejected by fans. We all know how that story turned out, with the Rock being possibly the biggest movie star on the planet.

Mr. McMahon has always had a soft spot for wrestlers with great musculature, and it's understandable why. Getting one's body to look like John Cena or Jinder Mahal takes a great deal of dedication and effort, as well as a high pain tolerance--all aspects of a great pro wrestler.

The sands of time are running out for Vince McMahon, but for the time being, he holds the reigns of the WWE with an iron fist. As long as he says Jinder will be a top star, then there's no holding the Modern Day Maharaja back.

There you have it; ten reasons Jinder Mahal is precisely what the WWE needs.