Jinder Mahal Blasts Triple H: “He’s Not a Real Leader — Vince McMahon Used Me Better”

In a candid and explosive interview with Inside The Ropes (ITR), former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal opened up about his frustrations under the current WWE regime, taking direct aim at Triple H and claiming that Vince McMahon utilized his talent far more effectively. Mahal’s comments shed light on the creative and leadership divide that some wrestlers feel has emerged since McMahon stepped away and Triple H took full control of WWE’s day-to-day operations.

“With Vince, I was always being used,” Mahal said. “Sometimes I was on top, sometimes I was at the bottom, but I was always on TV. Whether it was for the WWE Title or the 24/7 belt, I was booked every week. My career had ups and downs, but at least I was active.”

Those words hit like a clothesline in the face of WWE’s new creative direction. For Mahal, it wasn’t just about title runs or wins — it was about opportunity, consistency, and respect for hard work.

🏆 Jinder Mahal’s Journey Under Vince McMahon

Mahal’s rise under Vince McMahon was one of the most unexpected success stories in modern WWE history. After being released in 2014 and spending two years rebuilding himself physically and mentally, Mahal returned to WWE in 2016 a changed man — stronger, sharper, and hungrier.

Within a year, he shocked the wrestling world by defeating Randy Orton at Backlash 2017 to become the WWE Champion, marking one of the most surprising title wins in recent memory. Though his reign was polarizing among fans, there’s no denying that Vince McMahon saw something in him — a global star who could appeal to WWE’s expanding markets in India and beyond.

Mahal thrived on television, consistently featured in storylines, promos, and matches. Even when he wasn’t chasing titles, he was involved in feuds that kept him visible — something he says changed drastically under Triple H.

“Vince would always keep me working,” Mahal explained. “But with Hunter, I’d just get a call saying, ‘You’re not booked,’ and they’d cancel my flight to save money.”

⚡ The Triple H Era: A Shift in Priorities

Since taking over creative duties, Triple H (Paul Levesque) has been widely praised for revitalizing WWE programming — focusing on longer storylines, better in-ring work, and new stars like Gunther, Cody Rhodes, and LA Knight. However, for veterans like Mahal, that shift appears to have left them sidelined.

Under Triple H’s leadership, Mahal’s appearances became rare. Once a regular presence on RAW and SmackDown, he found himself absent for weeks — sometimes months — at a time. For a performer who takes pride in his consistency and work ethic, that’s been difficult to accept.

“I’ve never been one to complain about wins or losses,” Mahal said. “But not being used at all? That’s worse. When you’re off TV, people forget you. With Vince, I never had that problem.”

Mahal’s remarks touch on a growing sentiment among some mid-card and veteran talents who feel overshadowed by WWE’s renewed focus on younger stars and “internet favorites.” While Triple H’s approach has earned critical acclaim, it’s also led to criticism that certain dependable performers — like Mahal — are being undervalued.

💬 “Triple H Isn’t a Real Leader”

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing part of Mahal’s comments came when he questioned Triple H’s leadership style directly.

“Triple H isn’t a real leader,” Mahal said bluntly. “A real leader knows how to use everyone — not just his favorites. Vince knew how to keep the whole roster active. You’d have big programs, small programs, but everyone worked. Under Hunter, some of us just sit at home.”

It’s a sharp critique, especially coming from a former world champion. But Mahal didn’t sound bitter — rather, he sounded disappointed, like a man who feels forgotten by the very company he helped represent globally.

“I love WWE,” he continued. “This is my home. I just want to contribute. I’ve been through everything — the highs, the lows, the 24/7 title segments, the tours in India, the long flights, all of it. I just want to work. That’s it.”

🤼 A Tale of Two Regimes

The contrast between Vince McMahon’s and Triple H’s leadership philosophies has been one of the defining stories of WWE’s modern era. Vince valued spectacle, loyalty, and big personalities — he often rewarded hard work and charisma, even if a performer wasn’t the most technically gifted. Triple H, on the other hand, has leaned heavily on athleticism, storytelling, and wrestling psychology, reshaping WWE into something closer to NXT’s golden era.

For fans, this has meant better matches and fresher faces. For veterans like Mahal, it’s meant uncertainty and waiting for creative direction that may never come.

Longtime wrestling analyst Dave Meltzer commented on Mahal’s remarks, noting that his frustration reflects a broader reality for WWE’s “middle tier” talent:

“Triple H has a very specific vision for who he wants on TV. If you don’t fit that mold, you might be waiting a long time. Vince was different — he always made sure everyone had something to do, even if it was small.”

🕰️ The Business of Booking

Beyond personal feelings, there’s also a business angle. Under Vince, WWE expanded aggressively into international markets — especially India — where Jinder Mahal was seen as a key ambassador. His success as WWE Champion in 2017 was largely tied to WWE’s push in South Asia.

With Triple H now focused more on “pure wrestling quality” and less on market strategy, some believe that direction has sidelined wrestlers like Mahal who once represented global diversity and marketability.

Still, Mahal insists that his goal isn’t to complain but to be used — to perform, entertain, and earn his place again.

“I’ve proven I can do whatever they need,” he said. “Give me a mic, a match, a storyline — I’ll deliver. I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.”

🏁 Will Jinder Mahal Get Another Chance?

Despite his frustrations, Mahal remains under WWE contract and has not ruled out a comeback. Insiders report that he’s been training regularly and maintaining peak physical condition, waiting for the right creative opportunity.

Fans online have rallied behind him, with many calling for WWE to give Mahal a fresh storyline — possibly a return to SmackDown or a rivalry with rising stars like Bron Breakker or Drew McIntyre.

Whether Triple H responds to the criticism remains to be seen, but Mahal’s words have reignited an important conversation about leadership, communication, and opportunity in WWE’s new era.

“Vince wasn’t perfect,” Mahal concluded. “But he knew how to make everyone feel important. That’s what leadership is — making people believe they matter.”

⚡ Conclusion: The Maharaja Still Has Fire

Love him or hate him, Jinder Mahal has proven his resilience time and again. His comments may sting WWE’s new regime, but they come from a place of passion, not spite. For Mahal, wrestling isn’t about politics or ego — it’s about showing up, performing, and entertaining the fans who’ve supported him through every phase of his career.

In a sport where opportunity can vanish as quickly as it arrives, Mahal’s message is both a critique and a plea: use your talent, value your people, and never forget who helped build the foundation.

Because as the “Modern Day Maharaja” reminded the world — even when he’s off TV, his fight, his pride, and his voice remain very much alive.