In a candid interview on the “TMZ Inside The Ring” podcast, former WWE Champion Raj Dhesi, better known by his WWE ring name Jinder Mahal, shared his unfiltered thoughts on All Elite Wrestling (AEW), its president Tony Khan’s recent viral tweet, and the impact AEW has had on the professional wrestling landscape. The discussion offered fans rare insight into Mahal’s perspective following his WWE tenure and his views on AEW’s rising influence.

During the episode, Mahal discussed the viral tweet from Tony Khan that has sparked significant chatter in the wrestling community. Although he did not delve into the exact wording of the tweet, Mahal acknowledged the growing prominence of AEW in the industry and praised Khan’s leadership for shaking up the wrestling world. Sources close to Mahal revealed that he views AEW’s approach as a fresh alternative to what WWE has traditionally offered, especially in how it fosters talent and presents diverse wrestling styles.

“AEW has definitely brought something different to the table,” Mahal said. “It’s exciting to see new stars rise and the competition getting tough. That’s good for wrestling and good for the fans.” His comments suggest he respects AEW’s role in creating healthy competition, which has inspired both WWE and other promotions to elevate their creative and in-ring standards [1][2].

Despite the mutual rivalry between WWE and AEW, Mahal expressed openness to potential future cross-promotional matches. Specifically, he named several AEW stars he would love to face, highlighting the intense competition and respect he holds for many currently signed with AEW. This willingness reflects a broader industry trend where former WWE talent is drawn to the vibrant and innovative environment AEW cultivates.

Furthermore, Mahal reflected on his own WWE journey, noting he remains proud of his accomplishments as a former WWE Champion. During the podcast, he coyly remarked that if WWE ever offered a “day two rematch” with The Rock—one of WWE’s biggest legends—he would eagerly accept, confident in his ability to outpromo and outwork such a high-profile opponent [1][3].

Industry insiders have noted that Mahal’s transition to the independent circuit and appearances in promotions such as GCW and WSW allow him more creative freedom, a factor he hinted is less prevalent during his WWE run. According to TMZ’s “Inside The Ring” interview, this creative liberty fuels Mahal’s enthusiasm about wrestling’s future outside WWE’s strict confines.

Tony Khan’s viral tweet, which has stirred conversations among fans and wrestlers alike, was indirectly addressed by Mahal, who emphasized that while such social media moments attract headlines, the real influence AEW holds is in their long-term commitment to talent development and innovative storytelling.

Fightful and WWE.com have recently covered the ongoing competition and collaboration dynamics between WWE and AEW, reinforcing that voices like Mahal’s add valuable perspective from wrestlers who understand both worlds intimately. His commentary aligns with the narrative that AEW is not just a competitor but also an innovator pushing the wrestling industry forward [4].

According to sources close to Mahal, the former champion’s current focus remains on honing his craft and exploring diverse matchups across multiple promotions. Fans should keep an eye on his career trajectory, as his openness to facing AEW’s roster could signal future blockbuster inter-promotional matchups that thrill audiences worldwide.

In closing, Jinder Mahal’s reflections provide a nuanced view of today’s wrestling scene: respectful of his WWE past, appreciative of AEW’s impact, and optimistic about the sport’s future possibilities. As wrestling fans eagerly await what lies ahead, Mahal’s insights remind us that the wrestling world thrives on competition, creativity, and the ongoing evolution driven by talents willing to speak their truth.

This interview and others like it showcase the complex interplay between WWE, AEW, and talent navigating modern pro wrestling’s shifting landscape. Wrestling News will continue to monitor and report on Raj Dhesi’s journey and his evolving thoughts on the industry’s biggest stories.

Sources: “TMZ Inside The Ring” podcast (Aug 2025), WrestleZone, Fightful, WWE.com, Wrestling News